Marc Bartra 'feeling more important'

Barcelona centre-back Marc Bartra has revealed his delight at his first-team role with the Catalan outfit this season.

The 22-year-old has already made 11 league appearances for the Spanish champions this season due to injuries to Javier Mascherano and Carlos Puyol.

"I'm starting to feel important, more a part of the team," Bartra told Barca TV.

"Tata [Martino] isn't afraid to send me into a game. It's better for the team to have a lot of players playing at a high level.

"Things are working out for me, but I know that I have to continue working in order to take advantage of the opportunities the coach gives me."

Bartra had previously been linked with a loan move from Camp Nou.