ENGLAND wannabe Gareth Barry plans to play his way back into John Gregory's thoughts with a star performance for the Under 21s in tomorrow night's crucial European qualifier against Greece at Ewood.

Barry recently lost his place in Aston Villa's first team following the summer arrival of Olof Mellberg.

But the 20-year-old, who has already represented the full England squad six times, hopes to give his club boss a gentle reminder of his ability by leading David Platt's men to a famous victory.

"There are always games which can change a season and, hopefully, tomorrow's game will be the one for me," said Barry.

"I've not really been in favour this season and two or three times I've even been left off the bench.

"So it's important I do well if I get the chance to play.

"But I've not come away with the Under 21s to try and prove myself.

"The manager has worked with me for a long time and he knows what I'm capable of.

"I've got a lot of respect for John Gregory. When I was 17 he put a lot of faith in me and didn't just chuck me in for one or two games, he put me in for three season virtually non-stop.

"So I respect him and, hopefully, he has a lot of respect for me."

With England desperate for a win to boost their hopes of appearing at next May's finals, players like Barry are going to be crucial in front of a sell-out Ewood crowd.

Platt's preparations for the game have already been hampered by a raft of injuries.

But West Ham striker Jermain Defoe gave the Under 21 boss a boost yesterday when he reported for training at Brockhall.

Defoe had not been named in the original squad because of an injury problem.

But, as we reported in later editions last night, the player, who last season scored in 10 successive matches when on loan to Bournemouth, has now declared himself fit and ready.

Defoe has been in excellent form for the Under-21's, scoring four goals in his last five appearances, including two in the 5-0 victory over Albania at the Riverside Stadium last month.

His presence will be even more vital as strike partner Francis Jeffers, who scored a hat-trick against the Albanians, had already pulled out of the squad through injury.

Platt said: "I am delighted that Jermain has been able to join up with us.

"He and Jeffers are both natural goalscorers. You only have to look at their records to see that."

Defoe joins Arsenal striker Jermaine Pennant in being added to the original squad.

This follows on from the news that Charlton midfielder Scott Parker - who is suffering with an illness - became the sixth member of the original 25-strong party to pull out.

Meanwhile, Barry has expressed his disappointment at Leicester's decision to sack Peter Taylor.

It was Taylor who first gave Barry his England chance during a successful spell as boss of the Under 21s. But, despite his failure to deliver similar success at Filbert Street, Barry believes his former mentor still has a future in the game.

"I'm disappointed for Peter. I don't think he really had long enough in my opinion," said Barry.

"They've had a bad start but I'm sure it was within his capabilities to turn it around.

"I owe him a lot because he was the one who brought me into the Under 21s when I was 17 and then he picked me again when he was in charge of the full squad against Italy so he obviously fancied me as a player.

"When he left the England set-up it was a big shock to the lads because his record spoke for itself and he was very well respected by everyone.

"I don't know what he's thinking about his future at the moment but I'm sure he'll get a lot of offers to return to the game because he's a good coach and a good man."