Givens welcomes the return of Barrett

DON GIVENS last night welcomed the return of Graham Barrett, the Arsenal striker on loan to Brighton, to Ireland’s U21 squad for their European Championship tie against Albania today (2pm).

Barrett was promoted to the senior squad last week in place of Robbie Keane and could not be included in Givens' team for their match against Georgia.

Barrett's return helped Givens compensate for the loss of Paul Tierney, the Manchester United full-back on loan to Crewe, and Andy Reid, Nottingham Forest.