Barry has every sympathy for Villa's Heskey

Manchester City and England midfielder Gareth Barry admits he sympathises with Emile Heskey's situation at not playing regular football for Aston Villa with the World Cup coming up next year.

Barry's move from Villa to Manchester City was for a new challenge, Heskey has concerns over his place in England's World Cup squad.

"The World Cup is in the back of everyone's mind so I can understand where Emile is coming from," Barry said. "It's not just Emile, it's that time of year when you want to be playing regularly.

"He has his place in the England team at the moment and won't want anything to change that. Playing regularly for your club can help you cement a place in the England squad."

Heskey is normally one of Capello's automatic choices but the England boss tends to leave out players who are not featuring regularly in the Barclays Premier League.

"He's struck a great partnership with Wayne Rooney in the qualifying campaign," Barry said. "His work-rate and the way he plays for the team is second to none.

"Wayne and the other attacking midfielders have thrived playing off him. He's a big part of the England team."

 
Click here for more Manchester City news and gossip