Gareth Barry used to see the tag of 'utility' player as a burden. Now he sees it very much as a strength.

Although he believes the left side of midfield is his best position, he can also play in the centre or at left back. He has even been known to play in central defence although that was a few seasons ago.

Barry signed as a professional in February 1998 and made his Villa debut against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough in May 1998.

LAST SEASON

The 2007-08 campaign was significant for Gareth Barry for a number of reasons.

Appointed captain before the opening match, he signed a new contract a week later, committing himself to the club until 2010.

It wasn't long before he assumed another responsibility, too, taking over as Villa's penalty-taker after Juan Pablo Angel had missed on a couple of occasions.

By the end of the season he had established himself as one of only 13 players throughout the club's history to score 10 penalties or more - and he also became Villa's highest appearance-maker in the Premier League, passing Alan Wright's record of 260.

Barry's performances were as impressive as his statistics, too. His outstanding form on the left of midfield earned him a recall to the England squad and he made a substitute appearance against Spain at Old Trafford as well as playing for England B against Albania.

"I jumped at the chance. It's not every day you're asked to be captain of a club with so much tradition."