<
>

Everton midfielder Gareth Barry breaks record for Premier League starts

Everton midfielder Gareth Barry has entered the Premier League record books by making his 572nd start.

Barry, 35, surpassed the record held by goalkeeper David James after being named in the starting XI to face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday evening.

The former England international began his professional career as a centre-back with Aston Villa, making his debut in 1998 and eventually moving into midfield. He made 365 league appearances for Villa before moving to Manchester City in 2009, and then to Goodison Park in 2013.

Barry, who won 53 caps for his country, is now 26 starts ahead of the next outfield player, former West Ham, Chelsea and Man City midfielder Frank Lampard.

He has made a total of 594 appearances, placing him third in the standings, still 15 behind Lampard and 38 shy of ex-Manchester United player Ryan Giggs who holds the overall record on 632.