Shorey puts hand up to succeed Barry in Villa midfield

Nicky Shorey has put his hand up to replace Gareth Barry in Aston Villa's midfield.

The England left-back told the Sunday Mercury: “I started out in midfield and I think I was at Orient when I switched to full-back.

“There wasn’t a left-back for the reserves and I was the only left-footer in the team so I got chucked there and I’ve stayed there ever since.

“I played centre midfield but I don’t think I was going to last long there at Leyton Orient because it was the Third Division and they’re not necessarily after a small centre midfielder who can play good football. They want bigger, more physical players.

“I played a few games in centre midfield for the reserves at Villa while I wasn’t playing in the first team and I really enjoyed it. I still feel I can offer a lot in there as well.”