Back in January, Swindon completed the signing of Louie Barry from Aston Villa on a short-term loan deal, after a difficult spell at Ipswich.
The 18-year-old was only handed two appearances in League One during his time at Portman Road, but after stepping down into League Two, he has shone.
What’s the story?
Well, despite his lack of first-team experience, Barry is playing a massive role in keeping Swindon’s play-off hopes alive.
Last night, the teenager scored as Swindon recorded a 2-1 win over Forest Green, while he also provided the assist for Jack Payne.
Forest Green sit top of League Two, so it was very impressive to see Barry tear them apart in the way that he did.
It means Barry now has three goals in his last four appearances in League Two, and six goals in his last 10 starts for Swindon.
Swindon boss Ben Garner described the Aston Villa prodigy as a “wonderful” prospect a few months ago, and the youngster has continued to prove his manager right.
As things stand, Swindon sit eighth in League Two, two points off a play-off place with just two games remaining.
Louie Barry deserves chances at Aston Villa
In our view, Steven Gerrard must give Barry some chances to prove himself in the first-team over the course of pre-season.
The England Under-18 is a fine prospect, who even spent time with Barcelona in La Masia before deciding to return to England.
As you might remember, Barry also scored against Liverpool in the FA Cup, when Aston Villa were forced to play an Under-23 team against the Premier League champions due to COVID-19.
After that breakout performance, Jürgen Klopp even called the Villans wonderkid the “little Jamie Vardy” – the Leicester icon has scored 128 Premier League goals, so that was very high praise indeed.
Hopefully, Barry will get his chance to shine at Villa Park next season.
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