Aston Villa Football Club News

• Nickname:The Villains
• Founded:1874
• Manager:Alex McLeish

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Barry eyes England spot

04 Sep 2006 - 07:26:43

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Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry is hoping that a change of manager for club and country will help him regain his place in the England squad.

Barry has been out of the national team set-up for three years, having fallen out of favour under Sven-Goran Eriksson, but believes that he has fresh hope with Steve McClaren now in charge.

Barry told the Sunday Mirror: "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.

"I believe I've been playing well and Martin O'Neill's arrival at Villa 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 think I can offer a lot to England, both defensively and going forward."

Barry has won eight caps for England, but the last came in June 2003 in a 2-1 win over Serbia & Montenegro.