Barry Looking To Impress McClaren

Gareth Barry has put faith in Martin O’Neill to help the Villa midfielder re-claim a place in the England squad.
Barry, in an interview in the Sunday Mirror said; ‘It’s been frustrating for the past three years. I got into the England squad quite young but for some reason Eriksson didn’t fancy me.’ The lady that sits next to me at Villa does though, although I don’t suppose that is much of a help really.

‘I believe I’ve been playing well but Martin O’Neill’s arrival has given me great confidence that I’ll get back into the national team. He’s only been here for about four weeks but already he’s made me believe that I can do that. I do think that Steve McClaren is a great choice and I hope I can impress him. I think I can offer a lot to England – both defensively and going forward.’

Adding: ‘A couple of years ago I said Sven Goran Eriksson wouldn’t always be the manager, so I never gave up hope. And it’s happened now. He’s gone and I’m still here at Villa Park at 25 with a few good years ahead of me, hopefully at my peak. Only a few weeks ago the headlines were all doom and gloom. Now we’ve got new owners and a new manager and everyone’s happy.’

We did a poll recently on whether Barry will make the new England set up, 24% thought Barry will be selected, 31% said no and the remaining 45% said he should be picked but that he won’t.