
Gareth Barry is to be awarded a testimonial at Villa – at the age of 26.
Barry became the youngest player to play 300 Premier League games last weekend, taking ChelseaÂ’s Frank LampardÂ’s record by several months.
Top quality opposition at Barry’s benefit match would net around £500,000 for a player who made his debut at the age of 17 in May 1998.
Manager Martin O’Neill said: “I think the testimonial is there in principle for him.”At the end of the season he will be in his 10th year and I think that’s something his committee are looking at sorting out.
“It’s amazing when you think he’s still only 26.
“It’s rare you see players at one club for so long in this day and age."