Barrett 'stifled' by exile

Graham Barrett believes his career for both club and country is being stifled by a two-year ‘exile’ in midfield.

Unable to force his way into the first-team picture at Arsenal, and after loan spells with Bristol Rovers, Crewe, Colchester and Brighton, the Highbury trainee striker joined Coventry in May last year on a free transfer.

But Barrett has since found himself out of position in midfield, with few opportunities to play in what he feels is his more natural role up front.

In turn, Barrett is unable to stake his claim for a forward place with the Republic of Ireland, and is down the pecking order when it comes to the midfield given the experience manager Brian Kerr has at his disposal in that area.

It is a Catch 22 situation for Barrett, whose international record is a proud one as he has scored two goals in his five appearances, but with his last outing back in June.

Barrett is certainly in form going into tonight’s friendly against Croatia at Lansdowne Road, with three goals in his last five games with the Sky Blues.

With Kerr looking to offer the fringe players further experience, Barrett may get his chance, although it is unlikely to be in his preferred choice of attack.