Barry Bannan will he make it at top level

[PeterWithe]

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.

Here's the link to that piece.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1313289/Chelsea-truly-head-shoulders-clear-rivals---just-look-Power-League.html

[TheSandman]

I think he's promising and there's a fair chance he'll make it.

I'm very hopeful he will both from a club perspective and a international perspective. Even if I doubt skillful players have much of a role under the current national manager.

[SoccerHQ]

I agree with the Whittingham comparison Fletch made.

Still he's fun to watch, let's see him get more chances this season.

[eric woolban woolban]

Arsenal seem to prefer a midfield of midgets,doesnt do them too bad. He is small,but he's got more bite than Downing,i know thats not saying much though,

My goldfish has more bite than Downing.

[SoccerHQ]

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!).

He played there in the Vienna first leg, scored and generally played well.

[adrenachrome]

Express and Star

Barry Bannan is not looking to leave

Friday 24th September 2010, 11:10AM BST.

Villa midfielder Barry Bannan is set to disappoint a string of Championship clubs after insisting his immediate focus is forcing his way into new boss Gerard Houllier’s plans.

Houllier picked out Bannan for praise after the miniature maestro shone in the Carling Cup win over Blackburn.

The 20-year-old Scot has attracted interest from a host of Championship clubs, with Sheffield United reportedly leading the chase.

But Bannan insists he wants to stay and stake a claim for a first-team place.

He said: “My first thoughts are to play for Villa. I am not looking to move now, because I want to stay here and hopefully impress the new manager and be involved at some point.

“It would be silly to go out on loan, because you wouldn’t be getting looked at. If you are here, you are getting watched every day in training.

“It is a fresh start for everyone. If you are the best in training he will pick you.”

Houllier described Bannan, who scored a hat-trick against Manchester United’s reserves last week, as a player of “skill and intelligence.”

And the youngster hopes Houllier’s emphasis on a passing game can work in his favour.

He said: “The gaffer is very big on that. He wants us to play, pass, generally go and enjoy the game, so that is right up my street.

“Some of the new things he is bringing in are exciting for the club.”

Bannan insists he can still mix it, despite his diminutive 5ft 7in frame.

He saod: “I’ve said before if you are good enough you don’t really get into physical battles. You avoid it if you are quick and bright enough.

“I’m not really fussed about that – I just think if they are big and strong then you play to your strengths and don’t let them play to theirs.”

[Monty]

Every word the right one there. I really hope he makes it, he's got a real footballing brain and it would be great to have as many players from our youth ranks as possible.

[garyshawsknee]

I thought he was smaller than 5' 7'',if he can bulk a little in the next season or two I cant see no reason why he cant be a sucess.

[eamonn]

Has a touch of the young Hendrie about him. Good movement, always looking for the give and go or a quick through-ball and he has a sweet shot.
He's certainly come a long way since choink-gate.

[barrysleftfoot]

   I have'nt seen him play tbh, heard good things about him, heard he is a better footballer than Albrighton.

  For me though, if he has ability and he is quick he will make it, if not then less likely.

[Dante Lavelli]

I haven't seen enough of the lad to say whether he'll make it but at 5ft 7in, he's not that small.  Therefore he must have a chance.  What he has said in the interview above suggests he's not stupid (although isn't this the fella with the entertaining myspace page?)

Being objective about it, will he offer more than Sidwell?  Do they play in similar positions?

Ideally we could lose sidwell and play Bannan in his place (i.e. not a lot).  This, in my opinion is how the squad should be used.  Lose the expensive squad players and fill the gaps with our most promising youth players.  Sidwell's wages could then be used on the DM we are crying out for.

[TonyD]

I think he has time on his side and could well be a good player.   We need to keep our midfielders not put them out on loan. It is going to be a long season ahead.

[Matt C]

'if you are the best in training he will pick you'

Long may that continue.

[Toronto Villa]

What I like about him from the little we've seen of him is that we works his bollocks off and is very intelligent when not on the ball. His movement is brilliant and it allows him to create space for himself in and around the box. He's very good in dead ball situations also which is always a plus. I absolutely think he can make it on talent.

[KRS]

I can see Bannan and Ireland working well together in midfield. Bring in a couple of battling defensive midfielders and we'll be fairly solid all over the pitch. Just need a natural goalscorer to put the chances away. Easier said than done though.