West Brom midfielder Gareth Barry proud of milestone appearance

Saturday’s home game with West Ham was the 36-year-old’s 632nd in the top flight, matching the number of Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs.

Barry also became the first player to start 600 Premier League games and the former Villa star admitted the achievement was something to proud of.

“The idea of becoming the first player to start 600 Premier League games and to equal Ryan Giggs’s appearance record is hard to take in,” he said in Albion’s matchday programme.

“You don’t really think about these milestones when you are playing, you just look to keep playing well every week, do a job for your club and stay in the team.

“Naturally, I am very proud to achieve those things.”

Barry made 365 top flight appearances for Villa, after making his debut as a second-half substitute in a 3-1 win at Sheffield Wednesday in 1998, before playing 132 times in the top flight for Manchester City, with whom he won the Premier League in 2012.

He featured 131 times for Everton and has so far played three games for the Baggies. Barry has also been capped 53 times for England and admitted he has given no thoughts to stopping yet.

“I’m delighted to achieve those kind of figures but while I am still playing, it is not something I spend too much time thinking about,” he said.

“It’s one of those for a few years down the line yet, once I have finished playing and can look back on it all. While I’m resting some tired legs!

“It’s game by game, season by season, but I think there’s some gas in the tank yet!”