The 31-year-old England international has been out for four months with a hernia problem that forced him to miss Euro 2012 in the summer.

But the former Aston Villa man is looking forward to returning soon and resuming his on-field relationship with the Spain international.

"Last year was fantastic and when you play alongside people likeDavid Silva you get to know his game and where he likes to receive the ball," said Barry.

"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."

It will not be straightforward for Barry to keep his place in the City midfield this season following the arrivals of Jack Rodwell and Javi Garcia this summer.

"Javi and Jack already seem to be settling in well," Barry told City's official website.

"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 know that much about Javi just yet but 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."