Aston Villa News 24/7Writer: J P Fear 
Date:Thursday October 11 2007
Time: 10:29AM
UK time is: 05:47:45
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Barry Takes Nothing For Granted
Gareth Barry, who is looking set to keep his place in the England midfield despite Frank Lampard returning to fitness, says 'I'd never take my place for granted with England.'
He says with other injuries it has given him his chance but knows 'The pressure is always there with England, no matter what happened in the last game. I realise there are expectations there now but I've been around the game long enough to realise that. The fans here expect me to perform at high levels every week anyway so it will be no different for my country.'
He adds that he is joining up with the England squad with confidence after his recent performances.
And puts his re-entry to the international scene down to the Villa boss.
'Martin O'Neill has been very good to me. One of the first things he said to me when he arrived at Villa 14 months ago was 'if you stay here with me, you'll improve a player and you'll eventually get your England call-up again'. He is a quality person, someone you listen to and he has been proven right in what he said, which goes to show what a good manager he is. At that time, I was facing a big decision, whether to try moving to a new club, whether it would be good for my career. But when I heard Martin O'Neill was arriving, that got me thinking straight away, even before I spoke to him, that it maybe best for me to stay around and that has been the case.'
He also told Sky Sports 'I do feel I am playing as well as I ever have.'
There is a video interview with him on the official site if you are subscribed: Click Here
England to win against Estonia and the men with the odd shaped balls to beat France on the night. Happy days!
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Your Comments
Nice of Barry to give MON a mention for his Inclusion in the England team BUT he has been this good for years with Sven and McClaren both deciding to give him a stiff Ignoring. Gareth Barrys inclusion in the England team is down to the fact that for years he has been a consistantly good player year in year out in the Premiership, not MON not Steve McClaren, lets be honest he has only received his chance through Injurys to Englands Favourite son Lampard who although is a great player would have held onto his place save Injuries. Barry has proved under pressure he can be the player to link midfield with attack and play alongside Gerrard giving the midfield the stability it has sadly been lacking. Barry its down to you and no one else.
col8
The proof will be in the pudding when Hargreaves is back, Lamps is fit and Carrick hits form. I'm a cynical old so and so and reckon England mangers tend to revert to type with one ropey result. I have been proved wrong with McClaren over Owen though.
tarzan
Lets hope Barry keeps his place and that Lump of Lard does not come straight back in. LAMPSHADE AND GERRARD DO NOT WORK!
cockeril
Lampard suffers from the john barnes syndrome. He is a great player for Chelsea, no doubt, but he does not perform for England. He is a weak link in the England side, forever trying to score (and forever failing) and neglecting all defensive duties. Our best England performances will continue whilst he is dropped from the side. Wasn't Lampard statistically the worst player at the World Cup last year? That says it all. Barry has been outstanding for club and country - he deserves his chance and has taken it well. To remove him from the side now would go against all logic.
The Usual Suspect
It's there for all to see that the balance is better with the the Villa captain in the team. I just get the impression that the England manager gets pressure to include all the "stars" in his line up. I'm all for conspiracy theories around sponsorship and revenues. Ashley Young should start, we need pace against the poorer teams.
tarzan
Strange world, who remembers a few seasons ago when GB was the target of the boo boys. Makes you think.
Gordonsleftboot
Does that mean in 2 years time Marlon and Stan will be Holte End heroes???
Jon.H
One of the best Centre midfield players in England and we put him on the left wing? He got picked because MON played him in the centre for a while. So why play him on the wing where I feel he's wasted. He isn't anywhere near as effective when he's played on the wing for England. I'd prefer Maloney on the wing with Barry inside. Either that or get someone in.
Gazvilla
We've seen all of the other midfield combinations and none of them are as effective as Gerrard/Barry. Carrick shouldn't even be a factor as he is hardly an "all rounder".
gwyllum18
Gareth is in the driving seat now. His England starting place is his to lose. About time that football supporters nationwide are now waking up to the fact we've known for years. Gareth is England class, and fully deserves his starting role.
glensider
I agree Glensider, Pace is not an issue in the centre of midfield which helps alot - just look at Jan Mobly.
KSarge1
Are we meant to be playing 4-3-3 against russia with barry gerrard and lampard in the middle, if so i think this could be a unbeatable trio. The only reason why lampard and gerrard didnt work well was because neither of them were willing to hold back but with barry in the mix this could be a winning combo.
villabikes29
Lampard alongside Gareth would probably also work. Its the Gerrard/Lampard partnership that just doesn't look like producing on the international stage.
glensider
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