West Brom's Gareth Barry set a Premier League appearances record against West Ham

The 36-year-old drew level with Ryan Giggs' mark of 632 games at kick-off at The Hawthorns having made his top-flight debut in 1998.

In doing so, he also became the first player to start 600 matches in the competition.

He is in line to break Manchester United legend Giggs' record when the Baggies go to Arsenal on September 25.

Barry told the club's programme: "The idea of being the first player to start 600 Premier League games and equal Ryan Giggs' Premier League appearance record is hard to take in.

"You don't really think about these milestones when you're playing, you just look to keep playing well every week, do a job for your club and stay in the team.

"Naturally I'm very proud to achieve those things today but hopefully I can keep clocking up the games for a while yet. Looking at the stats, to have started 599 out of 631 so far, that is a bit surprising because that's a pretty good percentage.

"It's nice for my family and something to make them proud. It's one of those for a few years down the line yet, once I've finished playing and I can look back on it all - while I'm resting some tired legs.

"I think there's gas in the tank yet. While I can still perform at that level and enjoy it all, I'll keep on doing it. I feel good, I'm told all my stats are up there with those of the younger players so that's all promising."

The midfielder went to close to opening the scoring with a first-half header in what turned out to be a drab 0-0 draw and afterwards his achievement was the main talking point.

His current boss Tony Pulis said: "From the outside, over the years, watching the lad play, I've always been a great admirer.

"Him coming into the football club, you just recognise and realise the dedication and his application towards his profession is just absolutely fantastic.

"He's like Fletch (Darren Fletcher) in lots of ways. They're bastions of this sport, this wonderful sport that we play in and work in.

"The young players at our football club, I hope they realise how lucky they are to see someone of that quality and that ilk."

Barry made 365 appearances for Aston Villa, after making his debut as a second-half substitute in a 3-1 win at Sheffield Wednesday in May 1998, before playing 132 times in the top flight for Manchester City.

He featured 131 times for Everton and has so far played three games for West Brom after signing for around £800,000 in the summer.

He also won the title with Manchester City in 2012 and earned 53 England caps.

Barry's career in numbers

632 - the appearance record he now shares with Giggs.

600 - he is the first player to start 600 games in the competition.

52 - goals scored by Barry in his top-flight career, 41 of them for Aston Villa including nine in his most prolific season in 2007-08.

4 - clubs Barry has played for in the Premier League - Villa, Manchester City, Everton and now West Brom.

21 - seasons in the top flight for Barry.

2 - major trophies in his career - the 2011 FA Cup and 2011-12 Premier League, both with City.

53 - England caps, with three goals along the way.

2,000 - Barry's header against Sweden in November 2011 was England's 2,000th goal in international football.

2 - Barry won two Everton player-of-the-season awards in the 2015-16 campaign, when he was voted as the top performer by both his team-mates and the club's fans.

119 - Barry's tally of Premier League yellow cards is also an all-time record, with Wayne Rooney the only other player to have racked up 100. Barry has also been sent off six times.