Gareth Barry Puts Team First

Gareth Barry says he is prepared to put the team first and not worry if he is utilised at left-back.

The Villa captain dropped back to left-back last weekend against West Ham and Olof Mellberg was used as a right-back leaving Martin Laursen and Liam Ridgewell in the centre.

Barry told the official site: ‘We’ve not conceded too many goals – three in four’s a good ratio so if we can keep that up for the rest of the season, we’ll have a good campaign. They’re going to be direct and it’s going to be a different sort of game to what we’ve had so the defenders will be in for a tough game and they’ll have to be on top of it if we’re going to come away with a good result.’

Adding ‘It was a bit of a surprise for Olof and myself playing full-back – we didn’t find out too long before the game, so there wasn’t too much time to think or worry about it. But it worked out well, we were pretty solid and they didn’t cause us too many problems. I’ve told the manager and he knows I’m happy to play there and not worry about it too much. Some games I don’t mind it and you can get a lot of the ball and help the team.’

‘That’s what I’ve always done – put the team first rather than worry about what my best position is. If I’m playing there again today then I’ll do I to the best of my ability.’