Moore: Barry can easily play until 40
DARREN Moore has backed Gareth Barry to continue playing until he is 40.
The West Bromwich Albion midfielder came in after midfield rival James Morrison picked up an injury and has produced performances that have made it difficult for the Scottish international to find a way back into the side.
Barry, who turns 38 in the New Year, scored in the victory at Bramall Lane and has led by example in a team with the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo and Harvey Barnes that are almost half his age.
And Moore reckons Barry can continue for a couple of more seasons.
“Why not? I’ll never put a lid on it,” he said.
“Let him continue. He wants to train every day. I’m not telling him to rest. He’s done it at the highest level of the game and credit to him.
“A thirst, hunger, desire for the game. Somebody who just loves playing football and just wants to play. He’s a shining light to youngster, how he goes about game.
“For the record that he has, that’s not normal. To produce that consistency over the years, record Premier League appearance holder, you’ll go some way to beat that.
“He’s dropped into the Championship and it’s been water off a duck’s back. He’s managing himself with any his these games coming thick and fast but still keeping a level of consistency.... Long may that continue, he’s contributing a lot to West Brom.”
Barry has certainly made to repair the relationship between himself and the club’s supporters after last season’s debacle. He committed himself to the club in the summer, taking the option of a further year after triggering an appearance-based clause in his contract.
Since, the midfielder has been a dependable figure from the bench and, in recent weeks, from the off.
“He came back in for the Villa game, and that was a stellar performance,” Moore continued.
“He showed his class and quality, and I think it was about his 812th game.
“It’s a remarkable stat, he’d been out for six weeks prior to that. It was like he’d never been away. The way he drove the team and his contribution to the team is absolutely fantastic. Long may that continue.”