Barry eyeing up Giggs’ appearance record for Toffees

Gareth Barry joined an exclusive club when reaching 600 Premier League appearances on Saturday, but now the Everton man is eyeing up Ryan Giggs’ top spot before the season is out.

The former Aston Villa and Manchester City midfielder clocked up the accolade in the Toffees’ 3-1 win over Middlesbrough at the weekend, marking the occasion with a collector’s item – a goal.

Now sitting just nine appearances behind Frank Lampard’s haul and 32 adrift of Giggs’ tally, Barry became one of three men to reach the 600 mark and can break the all-time record this season should he appear in every league game between now and May’s finale.

Barry said: “That will be some going to play every game this season. I’m not sure that’s going to be possible. But, you know, why not?

“There’s 33 (games) left, it’s a little target. If the team keeps winning then I’m sure the manager will keep the same team.

“It is something you’re going to look back on more when you finish but when you hit 600 it’s hard not to think about it and realise it’s a lot of games.

“I’m delighted to have reached that with the two lads ahead of me. Giggs and Lampard are two great names to be in there with.”

(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Barry is the only current Premier League player to boast more than 500 appearances, and has now seemingly added goal-scoring to his repertoire.

His side’s opener against Boro was already his second of the season, netting the winner against West Brom last month – his first for more than two seasons.

But the 35-year-old feels the continuation of their unbeaten start was more important than finding the back of the net after Ronald Koeman’s side went second in the Premier League table.

He added: “It’s a fantastic start to the season. That’s four wins in a row and that’s not easy to do in this league.

“It’s a tough game every week, so we’re delighted to keep the run going.

“I thought we saw the game out well in the second half. Going forward we probably didn’t create too many chances but we had the two-goal cushion.

“It was a disappointing start to concede the goal but we responded, the crowd got right behind us and it was good to get the three goals early.”