Gareth Barry says the support of the Aston Villa fans played a huge part in helping him regain his England place.
England star admits supporters kept him going
Gareth Barry says the support of the Aston Villa fans played a huge part in helping him regain his England place.
Barry is set to start on Wednesday as England look to secure qualification for the Euro 2008 finals by beating Russia.
The Villa skipper has been a revelation since he was recalled by Steve McClaren with some superb displays.
But the midfielder admits there were times under Sven Goran Eriksson when he thought his international career was over.
"There were times when I did wonder if I would play for England again," said Barry.
"When you are basically overlooked for three or four years, that is bound to cross your mind.
Low points
"But the Villa fans certainly played a part in helping me to keep believing through the low points that one day I would get another chance if there was a change of manager.
"It was such a lift to hear them chanting 'Barry for England' every time I was in action on the Villa Park pitch and I thank them so much for their support. They have helped me a lot.
"Now I have got in three or four squads in a row which is a different situation for me and, given what will be at stake, Wednesday will be the biggest game of my career.
"I have played in three games in a row and I am full of confidence now. In international football, you've got to be mentally strong."
Barry was a non-playing member of Kevin Keegan's squad for the competition in Belgium and Holland in 2000 but is desperate to figure in next year's finals.
Experience
He added: "Euro 2000 seems a long time ago. I was only 19. A lot has happened since then. I gained a tiny bit of experience there from being involved in that squad.
"It would be great to go to another tournament and actually play some part.
There is still a lot of work to be done to try and help the team qualify for
Euro 2008.
"The next step is to stay involved in the games coming up to get us there but
then hopefully be selected to go to Austria and Switzerland next summer."
