Barry, who left Villa Park for Manchester City in the summer, says he has been impressed with the recent performances of former team-mates Gabriel Agbonlahor, Emile Heskey and James Milner.
"If Gabby gets the chance in his first game at Wembley in front of the home fans for the full England team then that will only help him," said Barry. "He's hit the ground running, is scoring goals for Villa and he can go and show everyone what he can do.
"Emile has struck a great partnership with Wayne Rooney in this campaign. The way he plays for the team is second to none and everyone's thrived playing off him. He's a big part of the England team.
"And James has improved again this season and his confidence will again improve him. Playing on both sides can only help him so being versatile can only help when going to the World Cup."
Barry is hoping to start at Wembley on Wednesday night after sitting out the 1-0 defeat in Ukraine and the midfielder says the whole squad is determined to round off their qualifying campaign on a high.
He added: "The buzz is still in the camp and we'll be in front of our own fans so we want to get a good performance and celebrate in front of our home fans."
Source: FA
Custom Search
Showing posts with label Aston Villa FC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aston Villa FC. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
Ashley Young ready to take next step for Aston Villa and England
Not just because he wants to secure a seat on the plane to South Africa with Fabio Capello's England team for the 2010 World Cup, but because he has a huge role to play in the fight Aston Villa face in continuing their improvement under manager Martin O'Neill. "It is a big year coming up," as Young put it.
It has been quite a 12 months for the 24-year-old, who won the Young Player of the Year award and who insists that the increased interest and exposure has not gone to his head - even the rave reviews of Martin O'Neill, who at one point likened him to Lionel Messi, or the speculation linking him with a high-profile move to clubs such as Chelsea and Real Madrid.
The transfer rumours have been a summer-long irritation for the club. Villa have continually stressed that they would reject any offer received, and Young has for his part responded by reminding everyone that he still has two-and-a-half years left on his contract. "I am a Villa player," he says. "I'm delighted to be playing at this club."
His re-affirmation of his commitment to the cause is a fillip to what has been a bit of a disappointing close season, especially given that O'Neill has yet to make more than one signing - Stewart Downing.
A shoulder injury to Stiliyan Petrov, who has flown home from the club's pre-season base in Spain, has merely compounded their pre-season difficulties. Villa are, however, still in the semi-finals of the Peace Cup, and should they defeat Porto on Friday night, face the rather thrilling possibility of playing either Juventus or Real Madrid in the final on Sunday night in Seville.
Young will relish the chance of competing against former Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, another player with whom he has been compared, if they were to play Madrid.
However, happy to be likened to Real's Ronaldo in football terms, he explains that the Portuguese can keep the trimmings that come with superstardom to himself. "We are totally different," he says. "I like to keep myself to myself, and get on with playing football." A good job, too - if Villa are to compete this season they will need a Young without distractions.
Source: Telegraph
It has been quite a 12 months for the 24-year-old, who won the Young Player of the Year award and who insists that the increased interest and exposure has not gone to his head - even the rave reviews of Martin O'Neill, who at one point likened him to Lionel Messi, or the speculation linking him with a high-profile move to clubs such as Chelsea and Real Madrid.
The transfer rumours have been a summer-long irritation for the club. Villa have continually stressed that they would reject any offer received, and Young has for his part responded by reminding everyone that he still has two-and-a-half years left on his contract. "I am a Villa player," he says. "I'm delighted to be playing at this club."
His re-affirmation of his commitment to the cause is a fillip to what has been a bit of a disappointing close season, especially given that O'Neill has yet to make more than one signing - Stewart Downing.
A shoulder injury to Stiliyan Petrov, who has flown home from the club's pre-season base in Spain, has merely compounded their pre-season difficulties. Villa are, however, still in the semi-finals of the Peace Cup, and should they defeat Porto on Friday night, face the rather thrilling possibility of playing either Juventus or Real Madrid in the final on Sunday night in Seville.
Young will relish the chance of competing against former Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, another player with whom he has been compared, if they were to play Madrid.
However, happy to be likened to Real's Ronaldo in football terms, he explains that the Portuguese can keep the trimmings that come with superstardom to himself. "We are totally different," he says. "I like to keep myself to myself, and get on with playing football." A good job, too - if Villa are to compete this season they will need a Young without distractions.
Source: Telegraph
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
