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Darren Moore: Gareth Barry can be West Brom anchorman

Darren Moore believes veteran midfielder Gareth Barry can become the talismanic anchor his Albion team requires.

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Gareth Barry.

Albion’s head coach gave the 37-year-old his first league start of the season in the 4-2 win over Bristol City on Tuesday night.

Although the Baggies boss is aware he may have to manage Barry’s minutes, he believes the Premier League’s record appearance maker can make a huge impact in his first ever season in the second tier.

And Moore reckons Barry’s performance against City vindicated his decision to bring him in for club captain Chris Brunt.

“Gareth showed his class by putting his foot on the ball and bringing a bit of calmness to our play and recognising the spaces the opposition had left,” said Moore. “He anchored the team and was that talisman. He showed his years of experience and the level he’s played at.

“He’s the ultimate professional, in terms of his career. The amount of games he’s played at the top level is clear for all to see.

“I was pleased for him. We made one or two changes following the game on Friday (against Birmingham City) and I thought they were the right changes to make and the players that stepped in played their part.”

Barry, who made 20 or more appearances in 20 Premier League seasons in a row, will be assessed for fatigue ahead of Saturday’s home game against Millwall.

But if it’s deemed too much of a risk to play him, Moore has confidence in his midfield options.

Brunt has been playing at the base of midfield so far this season, but there were also promising cameos off the bench against the Robins from Sam Field and debutant Wes Hoolahan.

Moore believes 36-year-old Hoolahan, who has arrived on a short-term contract, will prove to be a shrewd signing.

“You’ve seen his close control and his cleverness,” said Moore. “How to hold on to the ball, how to draw people in and maintain possession.

“Wes is a player that enjoys his football, you’ve seen an enthusiastic individual come on and at the grand age that Wes is, he’ll be a wonderful acquisition for us.”