Darren Moore: Returning to Villa Park won't faze Gareth Barry

Barry made more than 400 appearances for Villa across 12 seasons, and while he’s been back to Villa Park before, this is the first time it will be in Albion colours.

But Moore is confident the veteran midfielder will be unflappable on his return to B6 today.

“Gareth is the ultimate professional,” said Moore. “I am sure he will be looking forward to going back to one of his former stomping grounds.

“He hasn’t spoken much but I can speak on behalf of him knowing how he operates, the game will be water off a duck’s back for him.”

After a debut season with Albion to forget, Barry has grown into one of the Baggies’ most important players this season.

His cool head at the base of midfield is integral to the way Moore plays, and he’s been welcomed back into the fold by the Albion fans.

“For a head coach, to have the opportunity to work with Gaz is absolutely marvellous,” said Moore.

“As a person and a man, the player he is, he has been absolutely superb.

“He has put in some sensational performances this season which have shown his qualities and know-how and experience and understanding from the level he has played at most of his career.

“He’s available for selection and will be part of the squad.”

Having been raised in between The Hawthorns and Villa Park, Moore is acutely aware of how important today’s match is.

And he says it’s easier to savour the occasions as a manager rather than a player.

“Being a local I’ve always marvelled at the rivalry between the clubs,” he said. “My message to the players is play the game not the occasion.

“From a manager’s point of view, you savour the atmosphere more.

“When you’re a player you’re more engaged on the job in hand.

“As a player you get into scraps, I’m really looking forward to the game, hopefully it’ll be played at a good tempo.”

The derby marks the mid-way point in a chaotic February for Albion, who travel to QPR three days later.

“Training at this stage of the season gets tapered down and we manage the players because there’s a high level of games,” added Moore.

“You don’t want to take the energy out of them on the training pitch.”

Albion are without suspended Dwight Gayle for the next two games, but Moore is close to welcoming back attacking injured trio Matt Phillips, Hal Robson-Kanu, and James Morrison.

“I’m pleased that all of them back in training,” he said yesterday. “We’ll assess them in the morning.”

Ahmed Hegazi is also expected to return to action soon, although Chris Brunt remains sidelined with a calf strain.