Barry To 'Cap' Off Villa Form

Gareth Barry is again looking to add to his international caps and believes Martin O'Neill will give him a better chance of doing so.

Villa's captain told the official site: 'Martin thinks I can improve as a player. It's been frustrating over the last couple of years because there's so many good players around. Eriksson chose not to go with me but the new manager has new opinions. If that means calling me up then so be it, but I've got a better chance with Martin O'Neill being the manager here and Steve McClaren at England.'

'I started the first three games in midfield but this was my first game at left-back. People say the versatility can work against you but sometimes it works in your favour. I just want to show the manager what I can do in either position.'

O'Neill, who should have been but thank God wasn't named the new England boss (thank God for us Lions that is) said; 'The last thing I want to do, having failed interviews for that job, is to tell other people how to do it! Steve McClaren will have enough people telling him who is good and who isn't. He will find it out for himself. Gareth has got the ability but Aston Villa will have to be doing well enough. There is no point Barry playing well in a poor side. Villa will have to do well to get some attention. But he has been fantastic.'

Related article: Barry Looking To Impress McClaren

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