Barry understands Heskey stance

Barry determined to end campaign 'on a high'

Midfielder Gareth Barry understands why England team-mate Emile Heskey is considering leaving Aston Villa to seal his place at the 2010 World Cup finals.

Barry joined Manchester City from Villa in June and striker Heskey may also depart to seek first-team football.

"Emile has got his place in the England team at the moment and he will not want anything to change that," said Barry.

"Playing regularly for your club can help you cement a place in the England squad. I understand Emile's feelings."

Heskey, 31, has started only one Premier League match this season.

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England coach Fabio Capello appears to favour him but the forward still fears for his place in South Africa.

"I will have to sit down and think about my next move," Heskey revealed at the weekend. "I don't know whether I can get a World Cup place if I'm not playing for Villa."

Heskey played in the 1-0 defeat in Ukraine on Saturday and has started six of England's nine World Cup qualifiers in the current campaign.

"I'm happy to be playing for England and, obviously, not playing at club level is difficult," he stated.

"It's something I will have to look at when I get back and try to address it."

The former Liverpool striker joined Aston Villa from Wigan for £3.5m in January, linking up again with manager Martin O'Neill after a previous spell together at Leicester City.

Heskey has won 57 England caps since making his debut against Hungary in 1999.