Barry in right frame of mind to play for England
Thursday, 04 Sep 2008 21:46
Gareth Barry ready to give his all for England
England midfielder Gareth Barry insists he is fully focused on doing well for his country and club
Aston Villa after spending a summer contemplating his future.
Liverpool spent months trying to lure Barry away from Villa Park and had a number of bids turned down for the 27-year-old. Barry himself openly stated that he wanted to move to Liverpool but the Reds were unable to match Villa's valuation of the player.
Barry released a statement last week declaring he would stay at Villa Park for the foreseeable future and said he did that to get himself in the right frame of mind to play for England and Villa.
"That was the always the most important thing - me being right to play the game of football," said Barry.
"I didn't make a statement last minute of the transfer window - I made it the week before so I could get my head round doing a job for Aston Villa and now more importantly in the next few days for England.
"I'm mentally prepared now for the games. It was probably a tough summer for myself, the first time I've experienced something like that.
"Any doubts on anyone's mind can wear them down now and again, but that's all over and I'm looking forward."
Barry is almost certain to start in midfield for England's games against Andorra and Croatia with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Michael Carrick out injured.