Former Albion youngster Gareth Barry is hoping his switch to a midfield role could reactivate his career with Aston Villa and the England under-21 side.

Barry has suffered an alarming downturn in fortunes in the last 12 months after being a regular with the England senior squad.

He has fallen behind Alpay, Olof Mellberg, Steve Staunton and JLloyd Samuel in the Villa pecking order and, after returning to the England under-21 squad, has been edged out by Ledley King and John Terry in recent matches.

Barry's frustration led to him handing in a transfer request, although this was rejected by Villa manager John Gregory.

Now injuries have given Barry the chance to step back into the limelight at Villa in a wide left slot - a role he occupied in his Albion days.

Barry said: "The coaches have told me they think midfield could be the position for me and you've always got to listen.

"I always played there for Brighton schoolboys, but Villa switched me to defence although I can't complain at the way things have turned out.

"I also had a few games in midfield for Villa, but this is the first time it has happened in the first team for a couple of years.

"You need four or five games until you are at your best in a position.

"There is the added bonus that if I'm playing midfield for Villa then it gives (England under-21 coach) David Platt another option. David knows what I can do. He knows that I can play leftback or centre-half as well so I'll certainly be hoping to get back into the starting line-up."