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Phil Jagielka has hailed the longevity of Gareth Barry has he prepares to make his 600th league appearance.

The 35-year-old is third on the all-time list for appearances in the Premier League behind Frank Lampard (609) and Ryan Giggs (632).

Barry is expected to start for Everton against Middlesbrough on Saturday (5.30pm) and Jagielka is in awe of his evergreen team-mate.

“It’s not like he’s playing for any old team, he’s played at the top level and he’s won trophies,” Jagielka said.

“He is still getting in a fantastic Everton team.

“Most of those appearances will be starts, most will be 90 minutes so there is a lot of mileage gone in there.

“But that is testament to himself, keeping himself fit, doing the right things and being a great footballer.

“He’s a great lad, down to earth but he’s picked up a few bookings along the way which he will get some ribbing for.”

Jagielka and Barry have struck up a good understanding since the midfielder joined the Blues in the summer of 2013, initially on loan.

“As captain, he is someone I can rely on all the time, especially as we are in close proximity on the pitch,” he said.

“It is always nice to have dependable people in and around you in the defensive unit, and we have had that in the past couple of years.

“Gareth is cool, calm and collected.

“He doesn’t speak too much but, when he does, people listen. It’s more of a case of showing people how to do things right on the pitch and off it. He is so professional and if you watch him play he is definitely a great role model.

“We are delighted for him to keep breaking as many records as he can.”

Jagielka concluded: “Hopefully we both have a few more games to go, but for Gareth, 600 games in total is a fantastic amount, let alone in the best league in the world.”