Preston confirm interest in Barrett

PRESTON have confirmed they are lining up young Arsenal and Irish striker Graham Barrett to bolster their striking options. Gunners star Barrett has emerged as North End’s next potential signing after the recruitment of Celtic duo Simon Lynch and Jonathan Gould.

Preston had hoped the deal would be kept under wraps until everything was finalised. But chairman Derek Shaw said: "It is unfortunate that the details have emerged in the press over the weekend as we normally don't like to talk about these things until a deal is done.

"But the newspapers down south have picked up on the story so I can confirm we are in discussions about signing Graham Barrett from Arsenal.

"The player was thinking over a move at the weekend but we have yet to meet with the player and his agent. That is as far as the deal has gone at this moment in time," he added on the club's website.

Manager Craig Brown had emphasised in recent weeks his desire to strengthen his forward line after injuries to Ricardo Fuller and Richard Cresswell.

However, Barrett says he is happy to stay on loan with Brighton amid speculation of a move. Barrett hopes to put the club's league woes to one side and rediscover his goal-scoring touch in their rearranged FA Cup third round tie against Norwich.

Albion are bottom of Division One which contrasts starkly with the high-flying Canaries who are fourth but tonight's cup mission offers a welcome distraction. Boss Steve Coppell has asked for more from Barrett who has scored just once in 14 matches and the player is looking to respond immediately.

"I feel Graham has got to contribute more in the box. He does an awful lot of work outside the box," said Coppell. "His season will be judged on his goals and games ratio, which isn't too good at the moment."

But despite increased scrutiny from his manager, Barrett remains confident the goals are just around the corner.

"I am sure I'm going to bag a hat-trick soon," he said. "I feel sharp. That's the way it goes with strikers; you go through a patch without scoring and then get loads."

Coppell is also confident his side can go to Carrow Road where Norwich have conceded only seven goals in 14 games and perform well, especially because they were the last side to win there with a 1-0 victory on St Stephen's Day.

"I have every confidence we can go there again, give a good performance and get a good result," he added.

"We know what to expect, having played them recently. We withstood the pressure from their crowd and won't be fazed."

There are two all-Division One third-round replays, but Burnley boss Stan Ternent already has one eye on the fifth round.

The Clarets host struggling Grimsby, against whom they drew 2-2 in their first cup meeting and although Ternent is not taking anything for granted he knows Brentford, mid-table in Division Two, wait in the next round.

"We have a replay and that represents a chance to get through. We'll be out to win, as will Grimsby," Ternent told the club's website, www.burnleyfc.co.uk.

"It will be a tough game. But we'll be ready, and if we maintain our level of performance I'm sure we can go through.

"It will be good for confidence if we can get through and it's important financially that we get through as well.

"If we can get through we'll play Brentford, and that will be another chance to move on."

First Division clubs Reading and Walsall, who were goalless first time around, clash at the Madejski Stadium.

Millwall host Cambridge after their 1-1 draw, while Conference side Dagenham & Redbridge have the chance to cause an upset with a home replay against Second Division Plymouth after their 2-2 draw.