Bannan: I want to fill Gareth Barry's boots at Aston Villa

Jul 3 2009 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

PROMISING midfielder Barry Bannan today outlined his desire to fill the boots of Gareth Barry and win a long-term deal at Villa.

The 19-year-old Scot has only one year remaining on his contract and is in demand with other clubs.

Derby County, where he had a successful two-month loan last season, want to take him back and new Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is understood to have wanted to sign him for Swansea before his move.

Bannan, though, admits he ideally wants to focus on winning over Martin O’Neill in order to prolong his stay in claret and blue.

He said: “Hopefully I can do enough to get another deal at Villa. It is a big season for me. I’ve got to prove to them that I am ready.’’

Bannan, who reports back for training on Monday, started ten games for Derby at the end of last year and scored on his debut against Sheffield United.

But he says he is unsure about a return.

“I’m not too sure about a loan move. I would prefer not to because I see my future ideally at Villa,” he said.

“I will probably have a chat with the manager and see what he has planned for me for the season.