Aston Villa Football Club News

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

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Heskey stance backed by Barry

13 Oct 2009 - 08:31:04

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England midfielder Gareth Barry understands why Emile Heskey feels he may need to leave Aston Villa in order to protect his place in Fabio Capello's World Cup plans.

Speaking after Saturday's World Cup qualifying defeat in Ukraine, Heskey admitted he may be forced to seek a transfer in January if he continues to be left out of the starting line-up at the Midlands club.

The 31-year-old striker - who has been linked with a move to Fulham and even a possible return to Liverpool in recent days - is concerned that a lack of first-team action could see him cast aside by Capello in the build up to the finals next summer.

And Barry, who himself left Villa for Manchester City in July, can understand where his former team-mate is coming from.

"I can understand his feelings," he said. "He has done fantastically for England but is probably thinking about how long he can go on without playing every week for his club.

"Fabio Capello has made it clear you have to be playing regularly and I'm sure that's something Emile needs to think about.

"The World Cup is at the back of everyone's minds right now. Playing regularly for your club can help you cement a place in the England squad."