Another Swede Joins GB Fan Club

The one Swede that matter has yet to give Gareth Barry the call, but Sven Goran Erikssonˇ¦s Villa Park compatriots are convinced the in-form midfielder should be in the full England set-up.

Last month Olof Mellberg said that an international recall was on the cards for Barry. And Marcus Allback last night added his support.

Allback, who opened his Premiership account on Saturday, has had a watching brief for much of the season. And he has seen Barry consistently produce the goods from midfield.

He commented: "Gareth is doing a good job now and he has been doing a good job for a long time, even though we have been struggling a little bit. He deserves that chance.

"People have told me that Gareth has never been picked by Sven since he became England coach but there is always a first time for everything.

"I think he is pushing again for England and if I had Sven's number I was going to call him and tell him that he should pick Gareth.ˇ¨

Allback added: "Gareth could be a solution to the left-sided position. He is a very young lad and he has a very mature game in his body.

"He is playing mature football. He deserves a chance. I remember being here for a month and finding out how young he was.

"I thought he was 25 or 26 and when I heard he was only 21, I thought 'wow, that is a big talent for somebody so young'. I cannot say anything negative about him."