GARETH BARRY

I feel very lucky that I'm left-footed because the number of us around is very small.

At the World Cup, it's the very top level. It's going to be tougher.

In 2012, we had just won the league with City, and I was really high on confidence going into the Euros when I picked up an injury, which meant I couldn't go.

I obviously think I should always be picked. Every player thinks he's good enough to be playing every week.

I want to come and help the team. That's always been the same for me wherever I have played.

I just take it a season at a time because I know in football, things can change so quickly.

Anything you're not in control of you can't be that comfortable with.

When somebody tells you they don't think you're good enough here, your face doesn't fit, you don't just roll over; you've got to back yourself.

Steven Gerrard - at his peak, he was outstanding both attacking and defensively.

I'm not one to plan, but I'm always positive about things.

I've got three brothers and two sisters. Dad was a plumber who worked really hard to support six children, and Mum was busy at home. The four brothers shared a room, a bunk bed on each side. It wasn't luxurious.

I have played a lot of games, had a good international career, and picked up a lot of caps, but it is not going to be complete without winning trophies, so that is my main goal.

Playing until I'm 40 is definitely a possibility.

You do hear a lot about 'player power,' but I'm one of those who believes the manager is there to take control, to be in charge.

As a player, you always want to play - it would be wrong to say otherwise - but you can always understand the manager's reasons if he decides to leave you out.

My head has just been all about wanting to play regular football in the Premier League.

One of my strengths is focusing on football, and even in the summer, I try not to switch off too much.

Most people would snap your arm off to do what I've done, but for me to be able to say my career was successful, I need to have some trophies and some medals in my cabinet when I finish.

Having been around, I know how difficult it is to get results in this league. It doesn't just happen by buying players. It needs a lot of hard work.

You play the game to win things, and if you asked me whether I would want to finish in the top four or win the FA Cup, it'd be FA Cup every time.

At school, I was always a central midfielder from a young age. Then, when I joined Villa at 16, the pre-season didn't go too well, so they looked at me as a centre-half.

When I started my career, we were running around water parks and ridiculous things like that. You used to drive in dreading pre-season back then, but now you know it's going to be pretty tough, but it's going to be probably what you need. It's going to be good for you instead of just slogging away.

I was 32 when I signed for Everton, and Roberto Martinez said, 'With your style of game, you can play until you're 40.' I'm sitting there laughing at him, but he was deadly serious. I still laughed.

I feel at Manchester City I will get the chance to play regularly in my best position and play a big part in a successful side.

It was Martin O'Neill who said, 'You're a central midfielder.' He put faith into players. He was very clever at getting into players' heads, leaving little remarks to make me believe more. The players at Villa all moved up another level under him.