The England international has been injured for the past four months but is back in full training and should be available for selection within the next few weeks.
“Javi Garcia and Jack Rodwell already seem to be settling in well,” said Barry.
“I know Jack better because he’s an English guy and been playing in the Premier League for a few years and he’s a great addition to the squad.
“I think he’s done really well in the first few games he’s played and he seems to have bedded in nicely. I’m sure that the longer he’s here and the more games he plays, he’ll get better and better.
“I don’t that much about Javi just yet, but his English is excellent and I have done a bit of individual training with him. He seems like a really good player and I’m sure he’ll adapt to the English game quickly.”
One player perhaps looking forward to Barry’s return more than most is David Silva. The Spanish playmaker voted Gareth as his player of the season last year because of the added freedom it adds to his game.
The mutual respect is reciprocated.
“Last year was fantastic and when you play alongside people like David Silva you get to know his game and where he likes to receive the ball,” he said.
“Playing with players like that can make your job so much easier, so you can bounce off other players sometimes and it can be good for you and them.”
One player Barry won’t be lining up alongside this season is Nigel de Jong, and he admits he’ll miss the Dutch midfielder who now plays in the colours of AC Milan.
“I started with Nigel and he was here on my first day and made me feel very welcome so he’ll be a big loss in the dressing room and to the club – if you ask any of the other lads, they’ll say the same thing.
“Unfortunately that’s part and parcel of football and players come and go at every club. We had a good relationship on and off the pitch and played a lot of games together so as I say, he’ll be missed.”
