Evergreen Barry insists “20’s not plenty”

He may be about to embark on his 20th season as a Premier League player but veteran Everton midfielder Gareth Barry insists he feels no different to his debut Aston Villa campaign aged just 17.

Barry may have put some considerable miles on the clock during those 20 seasons but the former England international is relishing the prospect of playing under new boss Ronald Koeman this season.

The 35-year-old has racked up 573 top-flight appearances – third only in Premier League history to Ryan Giggs and Frank Lampard – and has enjoyed spells with Villa, Manchester City and Everton.

He will once again be a key cog in Everton’s midfield as they look to erase the disappointment of last season’s campaign under Roberto Martinez.

And Barry, who has been hampered with a groin injury during pre-season, is convinced he is still in peak condition and can make a real difference for Everton this term.

“It’s fantastic to be acknowledged for your work throughout the year, by your fans and your team-mates as well,” said Barry, referring to his Player’s Player of the Year award last term.

“I look at the ability and talent in the group and to be chosen [for those awards] last season is something you don’t forget.

“It was a gamble because moving to a new club (Everton) you do not know what to expect.

“I based my decision on wanting to play football. I could have spent that last season at Manchester City being in and out of the team, not playing regularly.

“Throughout my career I’ve wanted to play regular football and to this day that hasn’t changed. I don’t want to sit and be a substitute playing just once a month.

“I had other clubs I could have gone to but I wanted to go to a club with good history. Goodison Park is a fantastic place to play.”