Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has hailed the influence of Gareth Barry on this season's success.
Lescott believes England team-mate Barry is an unsung hero who is playing the best football of his career.
Lescott said: "Gareth has been immense for club and country. He is one of those players you don't really appreciate until he's not there.
"People thought he would be edged out by Yaya (Toure) and Silva.
"But I don't think he has changed anything, to be honest. He has played his own consistent game.
"He believes in himself and we believe in him. You need people like that to balance attack and defence. He has shown his quality consistently.""Every game he is consistent, so you can't sing his praises enough. I'll bet if you ask any of our midfielders who they most want to play with, their partner would be Gareth Barry.
