Darren Moore: West Brom's Gareth Barry could play into his 40s

The veteran midfielder, who turns 38 in February, has started the last three games for Albion.

Impressing at the base of midfield, he’s expected to keep his place in today’s team having been taken off before the hour-mark on Saturday.

But Moore has revealed that Barry, who has played 779 senior games across his 20-year career, doesn’t require any special treatment in training.

And the Baggies boss wouldn’t be surprised if the record appearance-maker in the Premier League played until he was 40.

“Why not?” said Moore. “I’ll never put a lid on it. Let him continue. He wants to train every day.

“I’m not telling him to rest. He’s done it at the highest level of the game and credit to him.”

Barry’s decision in the summer to take up his option of an extra year at The Hawthorns surprised onlookers.

His relationship with Albion fans hit an all-time low after being named as one of four senior players who allegedly stole a taxi in Barcelona before being snapped in a nightclub on the eve of a match when he was injured.

But on Saturday, the travelling Baggies fans were singing his name, and Moore has paid tribute to the 37-year-old’s ongoing hunger for the game.

“He is somebody who just loves playing football,” said Moore. “He’s a shining light to any youngster, how he goes about his game.

“The record that he has is not normal – to produce that consistency over the years.

“He’s dropped into the Championship and it’s been water off a duck’s back. He’s managing himself with these games coming thick and fast but still keeping a level of consistency.

“He wants to train every day, I don’t pull him out of training. He’s contributing a lot to West Brom, long may that continue.

“It must be a real love for the game within him, not wanting to leave no stone unturned.”

Albion host Wigan Athletic at The Hawthorns today in the second of four games over the Christmas period.

“You relish it because this time of the year, the attendances are up,” said Moore. “There is a feelgood factor in the air because of the time of the year.

“For the players it’s all about recovery. Recovery is the big part in this time of the year because of the turnaround in games.

“Everybody’s enjoying themselves around you but you’ve got to remain focused, and stay in contact with the games, because they come thick and fast.”