Aston Villa's Gareth Barry tells of World Cup dream

Mar 31 2009 by Lisa Smith, Birmingham Mail

Barry is one of just two Villa players in the England squad, although team-mate Emile Heskey has now pulled out through injury.

The last squad initially featured six players when Villa were coasting in third place in the Premier League.

Barry, who almost joined Liverpool last summer in an £18 million deal, knows that success at club level ensures international selection.

He said: “This year, in terms of England, it hasn’t been a problem for me not playing Champions League football.

“I have competed in the Uefa Cup and played regularly for my country this year.

“It’s not the be-all and end-all playing in the Champions League but it helps in a World Cup year playing at the top level.

The 28-year-old added: “People say to me that I haven’t won medals and the World Cup would make up for that.

“But it is all about winning and I want to go, not just to compete, but to play a big part. The first thing though is to make sure we qualify.”