England boss Steve McClaren says being handed the Villa captaincy has helped finally push Gareth Barry into national team contention.

Villa skipper Barry is expected to make the full England squad when it is announced later today after a baffling absence of five years – and may even be asked to revert to a left-back slot with Ashley Cole’s injury.

Barry won the last of his eight England caps in 2003 against Slovakia but his continued absence from the squad has been a major bone of contention in the Midlands.

“He was first called into the England team five years ago and Gareth has been in that group of players who are outside bursting in ever since,” McClaren said.

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England boss Steve McClaren says being handed the Villa captaincy has helped finally push Gareth Barry into national team contention.

Villa skipper Barry is expected to make the full England squad when it is announced later today after a baffling absence of five years – and may even be asked to revert to a left-back slot with Ashley Cole’s injury.

Barry won the last of his eight England caps in 2003 against Slovakia but his continued absence from the squad has been a major bone of contention in the Midlands.

“He was first called into the England team five years ago and Gareth has been in that group of players who are outside bursting in ever since,” McClaren said.”He has really come to the fore since Martin O’Neill took over at Aston Villa and became club captain. He has taken that on his shoulders. He has always had that potential and now it is about realising that potential and playing to a consistent level.”

The England boss also scoffed at suggestions his perceived lack of pace may have hampered his national chances.

“That is not a factor – its a balancing act with an international team. You can’t have everybody who is lightening quick, you need people with technique and Gareth has proved effective wherever he has played.

“The one thing in his favour is he is naturally left footed and he can play at left back and on the left hand side of midfield – and we are not blessed with too many naturally left-footed players in this country.”

The Three Lions chief did emphasise that Barry would need to work hard to forge a regular place in the squad.

“Players can be in form but that form has to be consistent. They may be playing well at Premiership level but it is a few more steps up from that to make it at international level.”