Taylor backs Barry for England return

Aston Villa manager Graham Taylor is confident midfielder Gareth Barry can solve England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson’s left-sided problem

Eriksson watched Barry in action for Villa in Sunday’s 3-0 home success over Blackburn when he hit the target for the second-successive game.

The former Brighton trainee is being strongly tipped to earn his first call-up since November 2000 for next Wednesday’s friendly international with Australia at Upton Park.

Eriksson has tried a succession of players in the left midfield role with only qualified success including Liverpool striker Emile Heskey.

Taylor said: “Everyone keeps telling Sven that he has got a left-sided problem. I don’t know if he believes that or not – but if he does believe it then I think Gareth can help there.

“He is a very skilful player and down the left-hand side he has showed week in and week out in the Premiership this season that there aren’t many to match him or beat him – and he’s done it in a side not doing all that well results-wise.

“He came into the Villa side at 17 and stayed there for a long time and, although he may still only be 21, he is getting up close to having 200 Premiership games under his belt already.”

Taylor also believes that Barry has the capabilities to deliver double figures in terms of goals each season for Villa.

He said: “One of the things we’ve said to Gareth that something missing from his game is the number of goals he scores. He should have had more this season on the chances he’s had.

“He’s now got two in two games and let’s hope that gives him the confidence and belief that he can pop up with his fair quota from midfield.

“We would not expect him to get 20 but he is a capable enough player to get eight, nine or even double figures once he gets the hang of where he should be and how he should finish.”