Barry Bannan will he make it at top level

[Merv]

He'll never go head to head with Michael Essien in a central midfield battle and win,

Is that the same Essien who according to todays papers was rejected by Fergie when he was on a trial with them as a teenager as he was too small.

Ha! I didn't know that. If that's true, it just goes to show... maybe we could put Barry on the same regime that Gabby's been on to bulk him up. Actually, let's not. He looks a bit sluggish to me these days, does Gab.

[Pete3206]

I'd say give him a chance before writing him off. It's easy to say 'Championship player at best', but he did show glimpses of a special talent and I'd like to see him get some games or at least go out on loan for a few months. They seemed to like him at Blackpool.

[Damo70]

He appears to have ability and determination so if they find the right role for him I think he's got a real chance.

[Ben H]

Xavi and Iniesta don't do to badly. If you good enough youre big enough

There was an interesting stat in one of the tabloids last week about Arsenal being the smallest team in the league, Chelsea unsuprisingly the biggest.  However you look at it, it doesn't hinder the Arse that much being a team of short arses.

[Ben H]

I'd say give him a chance before writing him off. It's easy to say 'Championship player at best', but he did show glimpses of a special talent and I'd like to see him get some games or at least go out on loan for a few months. They seemed to like him at Blackpool.

Some of the goals and link up play while at Blackpool last year were top class, OK in the Championship, but he seemed to have that Scholes like ability to make time and space for himself and take time in making his cross.  Give him time.

[Ger Regan]

There was an interesting stat in one of the tabloids last week about Arsenal being the smallest team in the league, Chelsea unsuprisingly the biggest.  However you look at it, it doesn't hinder the Arse that much being a team of short arses.

Apart from not having won a trophy in 5 seasons.

[j66acd]

According to the national papers and radio stations Jack Wilshire is going to be the mainstay of the England team for the next 15 years. To me him and Bannan look about the same height, both got a decent left foot and about the same age and look really good on the ball. Alan Wright was our best left back since I've been supporting the villa and he didn't do too bad for 5'4''.

[Ads]

I’ll say this now, Bannan has no chance of ever being an England player.

[j66acd]

Should be in the Scotland squad with some of the shit they've got. He's way better than the likes of Lee mcculloch. Scored for the under 21's the other week. Couldn't give a shit about international football though, as long as our players don't injured.

[mozza]

If physical size was the be all and end all of a professional footballer
we would end up with 22 Chris Sambas on the pitch (heaven forbid)

Without doubt wee Barry has the techical ability in that he is two footed,
can control a ball, pass like Sid Cowans, and can score goals (recent
hat trick for the second string)

Also his attitude on the pitch is spot on - works his socks off for the cause

Steven Davies was another player not so long ago that I thought had
a bright future but as it's turned out its in Scotland with Rangers,
hopefully Barry doesn't follow a similar path and makes his name in
the English Premier with Villa
     

[badluckeric(gates)]

Xavi and Iniesta don't do to badly. If you good enough youre big enough

I'm not sure that comparing him to two of the best players in the world really helps the argument though.

Maybe, but what about five foot nowt Alan Wright, thats a pretty decent comparison of a good career.

[supertom]

He's got ability. He's a lovely little footballer, and I also thought his movement against Rapid was very good.

Size is an issue, but if he hits the weights hard, and makes himself a bit more durable, he can make up for the lack of height. See Dennis Wise.

The key really is his position. 1 of a central 2? No way. A central 3? Yes. He does need a hard man or two alongside though. Out wide with freedom to drift inside? Yes.

I think he's got enough ability to make an impact. He's better than Gardner, and has more of a brain, and desire than Whitts did. But Whitts, like Bannan had a good touch, and sweet left peg, but not the durability or physique to really cut it. Only time will tell, but he's a good chance if he works his bollocks off.

[paul_e]

I'm loving the mention of xavi and iniesta.

I said during the world cup that if bannan can watch how they protect the ball he could make it as a top player but that's something very important for him to pick up.

[Crabman]

Xavi and Iniesta don't do to badly. If you good enough youre big enough

I'm not sure that comparing him to two of the best players in the world really helps the argument though.

If the arguments about size, I have a point.

[citizenDJ]

I think he looks like he would be best off playing in the 'hole' behind the striker(s). Someone mentioned Zola earlier on, and I think that's the kind of player he could be (as in, type of player. I doubt he'll be as good as Zola.....although fingers crossed for the lad!).