Barry poised to land fresh Baggies deal

SLAVEN BILIC has revealed that Gareth Barry is poised to earn a new deal at West Brom that would take the veteran midfielder to the age of 39.

Former Aston Villa, Manchester City and Everton star Barry (above) is the Premier League record holder with 653 appearances.

Barry, 38, missed the Championship play-offs with Albion last term due to knee surgery, and his contract expired in the summer.

But he did his rehabilitation with the Baggies and has since worked hard to re-join first team training at The Hawthorns.

Albion have promised the classy left-footed former England midfielder a new one-year deal once he pulls their shirt back on again.

Boss Bilic, who was Croatia coach for six years, said: “Gareth joined our last couple of sessions.

“He is doing some passing sessions and some possession. He will be back playing soon.

“It was a big injury for his knee, but he has been working really hard every day, with hours and hours in the gym.

“It is mentally very demanding and exhausting doing that boring stuff – but he is a top professional.”

Bilic, in charge at Albion since the summer, said that despite Barry not playing yet this term he has still been helpful around the squad, and added: “I didn’t know him before, but I knew him from managing against England.

“He is a player who has done basically everything in his professional career.

“He is a brilliant example for young players.

“To still have that motivation and hunger at this stage of his career is unbelievable, and a gift for our young players.”