Barry feeling fresh with Everton

Everton midfielder Gareth Barry is feeling no signs of age as he prepares for the new season at Goodison Park.

Barry completed a permanent switch to the Merseyside club earlier this week, having spent last season on loan from Manchester City.

The 33-year-old will be expected to lend experience to the likes of Ross Barkley and James McCarthy as Everton go about trying to improve on last season’s fifth-place Premier League finish.

“I felt really good last year and I didn’t feel too old,” he said.

“It sometimes helps playing alongside younger players and we have a great group of them.

“You want to take each season at a time but I don’t feel like I am slowing down.

“Me and James had a great season in terms of staying fit, playing a lot of matches together and understanding each other’s game.

“That was on the back of a last-minute decision to be brought in here, so I’m hopeful a full pre-season with the team can further improve myself, James and the whole squad together.”