Thursday 21 September 2017 16:09, UK
Tony Pulis says it has been "a privilege" to work with Gareth Barry as the West Brom midfielder closes in on the Premier League appearance record.
If Barry is selected to play for the Baggies against West Ham this weekend he will match Ryan Giggs' tally of 632 Premier League outings.
He has played every minute of West Brom's league campaign following his summer move from Everton.
Pulis is a big admirer of the 36-year-old, who has also been a regular in the starting line-ups of Aston Villa and Manchester City, having made his senior debut in 1997.
"It's a wonderful achievement," Pulis said. "We've only just had him and I've always rated him as a player but I don't think you realise how good he is until you actually work with him.
"Managers who have had him for longer periods will be better placed to talk about Gareth than me but he's been absolutely fantastic for us.
"He's a great lad off the pitch, he's mixed in really well with the lads and he's been our best player in all of the games we've played this season.
"You don't play that many games without being quite useful. We're pleased to have him and it's a privilege to work with him."
