Young gunner plays patient game

The Republic of Ireland’s young Gunner Graham Barrett does not regret joining Arsenal even though a move from Highbury may be essential in the development of his career.

The 20-year-old striker capped a dream debut last night by slamming home the visitors’ final goal in the 3-0 win over Finland in Helsinki.

Barrett struck just seven minutes after his introduction to senior international action, justifying the faith of manager Mick McCarthy.

It was also a timely nudge for Highbury chief Arsene Wenger, who has given the Irishman only two Premiership appearances in as many seasons.

Despite the lack of first-team involvement, Barrett has no complaints about life under fellow countryman Liam Brady in the Arsenal youth set-up.

“I have no regrets about moving there,” he said.

“Liam Brady and his coaching staff have been unbelievable with me and I can’t speak highly enough of the club as a whole.

“I have had a couple of Premiership appearances and hopefully I will get a few more but really that is down to me.”

With Thierry Henry, Sylvain Wiltord and Dennis Bergkamp blocking his path, it is not easy to see how Barrett will make the big breakthrough.

Arsenal operate at a level Barrett would struggle to reach at the present time. A bout of glandular fever cost him 12 vital months and although he enjoyed an encouraging pre-season, even the Irish coaching staff believe his career would be better served with a move into the Nationwide League.

“Although the actual illness only lasted six months, it definitely cost him a year when you look at a full recovery,” admitted Republic Under-21 coach Don Givens.

“At a club like Arsenal, that can cost you because there are equally good players coming up behind to take your place.

“He has been in the reserves there for two years now and while I have no doubt he will eventually become a Premiership player, he needs to step down into the Nationwide to get the kind of experience he needs at this stage of his career.”

It was Givens who informed Barrett on Tuesday that his services were required with the senior squad, pulling him off at half-time of the Under-21 side’s 1-0 win in the shadow of the Olympic Stadium.

He was one of three new caps introduced by McCarthy last night, with Sunderland’s Thomas Butler starting and Stockport defender Jim Goodwin also introduced late on.

Neither had quite the impact of Barrett, although even he could not make his mark as quickly as Clinton Morrison, who opened his international account within two minutes against Croatia 12 months ago.

Barrett finished off after Colin Healy had done the hard work with his searing run across the Finnish penalty area.

“I hit it very sweetly but my immediate reaction was a look towards the linesman because I felt sure he would give me offside,” he said.

“I had absolutely no idea I would be playing until I was lining up for the team photograph before the Under-21 game.

“I wasn’t nervous, it is something I have been dreaming about as a kid and to achieve it before I even reach 21 is unbelievable.”

A relaxed and level-headed character, Barrett did not look overawed by the experience.

And, from his work on the training ground, Givens has already seen enough to know the youngster can carve out a successful career for himself.

“He has a good touch, great movement and his work-rate is phenomenal,” said Givens.

“If there is one weak point, he is not selfish enough. I am always demanding that he scores more goals, every striker needs to get a total against their name at the end of a season.

“He has a bit of spark about him as well and is not afraid to have a moan or show his frustration if he is brought off.

“I would much rather have that passion though – it shows he cares.”