Noel Whelan has claimed that midfielder Gareth Barry is set for a slightly deeper role when he returns to West Bromwich Albion.

The 38-year-old is currently a free agent after his contract at the Hawthorns expired in June, but West Brom head coach Bilic has confirmed that he plans to offer the midfielder a new deal when he returns from injury.

Barry was an important player for West Brom in the Championship last season and scored one goal in 27 appearances for the Baggies in all competitions before he suffered a season-ending knee injury.

The experienced midfielder has been training with West Brom this summer, as he works his way back to full fitness following successful knee surgery and has made it clear that he wants to continue his playing career.

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Bilic has been impressed by what he has seen from Barry in training and is planning to offer him a new contract, although Whelan believes that the player will not be able to offer the same energy and intensity in midfield, as he approaches the end of his career.

The former striker believes that a tactical switch could be required to get the best out of him and that he could be set for a slightly deeper role when he returns to action for the Baggies.

“He’s going to bring experience and professionalism to the dressing room and to training, but he’s not going to bring you energy to the midfield now,” Football Insider.

“We saw that last season, he didn’t have the legs and that’s what worried me about West Brom, they had a lot of big names but ageing players.

“He might have to adapt to a different type of role – he can read the game, he’s got a great range of passing. There’s no doubt he’s an exceptional player, he’s done so much for the game.

“Slaven Bilic might have to think he can’t be that midfield player, he might have to play deeper.”

The Verdict

I couldn't agree more with Whelan here. Barry is a very good footballer and he's got plenty of experience at the top level.

Even if he doesn't play that many games for West Brom this season, he'd still be a fantastic signing and a big influence in the dressing room.

Barry is coming to the end of his career, so he's no longer going to offer the same level of energy and intensity that he did in his Premier League days, but he's more than capable of sitting in front of the back four and doing a job.

As Whelan says, Bilic might need to play him in a slightly deeper role in order to get the best out of him, but the experience that he will bring to the side could be invaluable.