Gareth Barry: I didn't want to run away after West Brom's relegation

Barry, who captained the Baggies to a 2-0 victory over former club Villa at the weekend, admitted it felt 'odd' leading out another team at Villa Park, particularly in a derby.

But the veteran midfielder, who has become a crucial member of Darren Moore's team, is glad he stayed at The Hawthorns.

“There was a big part of me that wanted to stay around and not just run away after relegation," said Barry. “It is not really in my character.

“I took responsibility, as well as a lot of other players who have hung around this season

“We were all part of the relegation team so I am working hard, as a lot of the other lads are, to put it right and try and get us straight back up.

"That isn't easy, you only have to look at the other teams who have come down. We need to go right until the end.”

Barry has won the Premier League, the FA Cup, and 53 England caps during a celebrated 21-year career.

He also holds the record for the most Premier League appearances, but says winning promotion out of the second tier would give him just as much joy.

“It would be a great achievement on the back of last season," he said. "To take on this challenge when everyone was at the lowest point and to bounce back – I am speaking ahead of myself of what could possibly happen – but if it was to happen it would be right up with a great achievement in my career."

Barry was at Villa for 12 seasons, and was a former captain of the club, so it was strange for him to lead the Baggies out at Villa Park in a derby,

“It was very odd to be honest," he admitted. "I have come back a few times over the years but to come back here and lead West Brom in a derby game felt slightly strange, I must admit that.

"But once that game kicks off you are just getting on with it."

When he was substituted off towards the end of the game, Barry received a warm round of applause from both sets of fans.

“It was a great feeling to be honest," he said. "I won't forget the 11 or 12 years I spent here.

"To come here at 16 and spend that amount of time at a club is something you won't forget.

"It is nice, you don't know, I may never play at Villa Park again in front of the fans so I was happy I went off in that way."

Barry's previous returns to Villa Park haven't always been so amicable, because plenty of supporters were disappointed in the manner he left for Manchester City back in 2009.

“Deep down I know they really love me," he smiled. "The bigger the player the bigger the boos, is what my family always used to tell me.

"I had a great time here and know the fans respected me. You do get a few boos but I never took anything like that too personally."