Gareth Barry has broken the Premier League appearance record in West Brom's clash with Arsenal.

Barry, 36, was handed the captain's armband on his 632nd outing in the Premier League.

His start at the Emirates sees the ex-England midfielder overtake Ryan Giggs' long-standing record.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Barry said: "It is a nice moment for myself. I am very proud to reach that number.

"But I try to put that to the back of my mind and concentrate on the football.

West Bromwich Albion's Gareth Barry (
Image:
REUTERS)
Barry's shirt hangs up (
Image:
West Bromwich Albion FC)
Gareth Barry runs on the pitch (
Image:
AFP)

"After the match, hopefully a positive result, and I can look back and be proud of it.

"Once we are out there, I won't be thinking about it all and will do my job as normal."

Barry revealed his Tottenham-supporting brothers would also be in the stands along with his chilren.

Gareth Barry in action with Laurent Koscielny and Mohamed Elneny (
Image:
REUTERS)
Gareth Barry and Jonny Evans (
Image:
Getty Images Europe)

"My brothers have an extra incentive to come and hopefully see us get a positive result," he added.

"The kids have had a day off school to come and support me so it will be nice for them to."

Baggies boss Tony Pulis earlier confirmed his players had decided Barry should be captain for the encounter.

Barry warms up at the Emirates (
Image:
REX/Shutterstock)
Gareth Barry speaks with team-mates ahead of his record-breaking evening (
Image:
Getty Images Europe)

Barry made his debut for Aston Villa in their 3-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday on May 2, 1998.

A further 364 appearances followed before joining Manchester City for £12million in 2009.

Barry won the Premier League title during his time at the Etihad but moved to Everton in 2013, initially on loan, before completing a permanent switch the following summer.

He opted to leave Goodison Park for the Hawthorns at the end of the summer due to a lack of first-team opportunities.

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