GARETH Barry was today expected to be named in the full England squad for next Wednesday's friendly against Argentina.

The Aston Villa defender from St Leonards hopes to celebrate his 19th birthday on the day of the Wembley clash by making his debut.

Barry, the former Albion centre of excellence player, has made a rapid rise since leaving the Seagulls for Villa Park two years ago.

He has already played for England under-21, trained with the full side and been a regular in John Gregory's Premiership team for a season-and-a-half.

Barry, who attended William Parker school in Hastings, has earned praise from England manager Kevin Keegan who said: "He's the best young player I've seen this season."

A further indication that Keegan is ready to select Barry came when the player was excluded from the under-21 squad named yesterday.

Keegan will have to consider whether Barry can cope with the extra pressure of facing a country who ended England's 1998 World Cup hopes.

But former Albion player Gregory has no doubts. Gregory said: "He's phenomenal, honest to God. Sometimes you don't want to heap too much praise on a youngster but he's unfazed by it all."

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