John
10-20-2008, 04:07 PM
Gareth Barry insists he will not moan about being asked to play at left-back despite admitting he was "surprised" to fill the role in Aston Villa's draw with Portsmouth on Saturday.
The England international started his career in defence, but in recent seasons has established himself as a central midfielder.
However, Villa boss Martin O'Neill opted to drop Nicky Shorey for Saturday's 0-0 draw at home to Portsmouth and asked Barry to return to his old position.
Barry is hoping O'Neill does not plan on using him at left-back on a regular basis, but is keen not to make a fuss about the issue.
"I was a bit surprised when the manager read the team," Barry said.
"I'm not a player who enjoys players running at me too much when I play in defence, I try to enjoy going forward and I hope the manager appreciates that.
"He had a brief chat with me before the game and said it wasn't a long-term thing, but I know he changes his mind, so I'm going to have to take that with a pinch of salt.
"But I've never been one to moan too much and I'm not going to start now."
The England international started his career in defence, but in recent seasons has established himself as a central midfielder.
However, Villa boss Martin O'Neill opted to drop Nicky Shorey for Saturday's 0-0 draw at home to Portsmouth and asked Barry to return to his old position.
Barry is hoping O'Neill does not plan on using him at left-back on a regular basis, but is keen not to make a fuss about the issue.
"I was a bit surprised when the manager read the team," Barry said.
"I'm not a player who enjoys players running at me too much when I play in defence, I try to enjoy going forward and I hope the manager appreciates that.
"He had a brief chat with me before the game and said it wasn't a long-term thing, but I know he changes his mind, so I'm going to have to take that with a pinch of salt.
"But I've never been one to moan too much and I'm not going to start now."