Loan Star Gareth Barry Targeting European Spot For Everton

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Veteran midfielder senses European opportunity for Toffees.

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On-loan Everton midfielder Gareth Barry believes there could be an opportunity for the club to claim a European spot in the Premier League this season, according to Sky Sports.

The 32-year-old is set to spend the 2013/14 campaign on loan at Goodison Park from Manchester City after falling down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium, but he enjoyed a strong debut for Roberto Martinez’s side as they sprung a surprise 1-0 win over Chelsea on Saturday.

The win continues Everton’s unbeaten start to the season, and Barry is confident that they are in good shape to finish high enough to qualify for Europe next season, particularly as many of the top teams look pretty even this season, allowing for plenty of space for the sides below them to benefit.

“Nobody is that stable and nobody looks like they will run away with the league,” he said. “That means there could be a surprise this season, you never know.

“And from an Everton point of view, we want to get into the mix and finish as high as we can. Getting into Europe with Everton has to be a target. And the longer the season goes on, the more we’ll set ourselves more targets.”

Barry has also earned praise from his new team-mate James McCarthy, who joined the England international in moving to Everton on transfer deadline day in a £13m switch from Championship side Wigan.

The young Republic of Ireland midfielder says Barry put in a great display in the win over Chelsea and feels he can learn a lot from playing and training alongside him.

“He is brilliant. He got about, chased Chelsea down and never stopped harassing them,” McCarthy said. “It will be a huge boost for me to play alongside him.

“I’ve only trained with him a few times but already he’s been talking to me a lot, and he’s a joy to work with. Obviously I’ll learn a lot from training with Gareth. He’s a great addition.”

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