Fabian Delph says he's not the new Gareth Barry yet

Aug 8 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

FABIAN Delph has warned Villa that he is too young and inexperienced to be hailed as Gareth Barry’s replacement.

Villa’s new £6 million teenager admits that he has always been a huge admirer of the departed England midfielder.

But the 19-year-old left-footer says he has a totally different style of play to the former claret and blue stalwart.

And although Delph is confident of making his mark at Villa Park he insists he has not joined to fill Barry’s boots.

“He’s an unbelievable player and the club is probably sad to let him go,” said Delph.

“I would have liked to have trained and played with him and learned a lot from him.

“He’s gone but I’m sure the lads will still be able to do well.

“I think I’m a different kind of player to him. I like to get forward a bit more than he does. But I can’t even start to compare myself to Gareth Barry to be honest with you.

“I’ve done absolutely nothing so far in my career.

“It would be wrong of me to say what my differences and similarities are.

“I think the club will miss him for obvious reasons but they can push on.”