Barry targets England return

Gareth Barry has spelt out his determination to maintain a foothold in Sven-Goran Eriksson’s plans after ending his two-and-a-half year England exile.

Barry had been constantly ignored by Eriksson since he replaced Kevin Keegan early in 2001 despite his outstanding form of the last 12 months with Aston Villa.

He won the last of his six caps in November 2001 when caretaker boss Peter Taylor fielded an experimental side against Italy in Turin and handed David Beckham the captaincy.

But injuries to Kieron Dyer and Danny Murphy earned Barry a late call-up for Eriksson’s summer squad and he came on as a late substitute in the friendly international against South Africa in Durban last week.

Now Barry – Villa’s player of the year – is looking to build on that breakthrough when England return from their training camp in La Manga for the internationals with Serbia-Montenegro and Slovakia next month.

Barry, said: “It’s just nice to be back involved with England. It’s been a long time since I was last part of things.

“It is good just to get your face back on the scene and it has capped what has been a good season for me personally.

“I am proud to be captain of the England Under-21 side but getting back to the higher level is what I’ve been striving for.

“I am not sure about whether you could say it is a breakthrough for me. Obviously there are a lot of players away from the squad.

“But I have never given up in terms of my England chances. I am still only 22 and there is a lot of time left in my career.

“But it’s been as long time away for me and I hope I can stay in the squad. All I can do is keep working, try and impress and we will see what the rest of the summer and next season brings for me.”

The left sided midfield role has been a problem for Eriksson and Barry believes that he could slot into that role effectively if called upon.

He said: “Every player will tell you that they have got faith in their ability and if I was called upon by England to play in that position, I feel I would be able to do it to a good level although I am not an out-and-out winger type.

“I think because the left-sided role has become such a big issue with people that it means any player who goes into that position finds themselves under a lot more pressure than if they were playing somewhere else.

“That can affect a player’s performance if every little thing is being scrutinised but I would love the chance.

“Graham Taylor gave me a chance there at the tail-end of last season when he came back to the club and my game has gradually got better in that position.

“At first I took time getting used to the role after playing nearly all of my time at Villa at the back. But I feel very comfortable there now.”