Barrett homes in on title

Feb 27 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

GRAHAM BARRETT has fond memories of McDiarmid Park and now he’s determined to create a few more before the season ends.

The 27-year-old striker boosted St Johnstone’s Irish colony this week when he signed through to the summer. It’s further evidence of the Perth club’s determination to escape the First Division this season.

After enjoying another training session yesterday, he’s likely to feature on the bench for tomorrow’s derby with Dundee.

Barrett, who has a clutch of caps for the Republic of Ireland, was part of the U16 squad which captured the 1998 UEFA championships in Perth, beating Italy in the final.

Barrett, who agreed a release from Falkirk during the transfer widow after being played all too often as a wide man, was tied-up after luckless striker Peter MacDonald aggravated a back injury against East Fife reserves, joining Andy Jackson and Collin Samuel in the treatment room.

The Irishman, who teams-up with fellow countrymen Graham Gartland and Richie Byrne at McDiarmid, said: “McDiarmid Park is a special place for me. Lads like John O’Shea at Man United and Liam Miller at QPR were in that team which beat Italy, and Portugal in the semi-final.”

Barrett started out at Arsenal, with youngsters including Ashley Cole, Jeremie Aliadiere, Jerome Pennant and Steve Sidwell. Among his other clubs are Coventry City.

Barrett was impressed with McInnes, assistant Tony Docherty and the Perth set-up during a training stint which preceded a spell under the spotlight at Hearts.

“Derek was understanding about the Hearts situation. I might have got a contract at Tynecastle but it depended on injuries to other strikers. So I didn’t want to wait and miss out when Derek came back in for me.

“I had to make a quick decision and I think it’s the right one for me. I want to help Saints reach the SPL, whether that means playing 12 games or a few minutes.

“The lads here would run through a brick wall for the manager. There is total respect for him and Tony.”

McInnes has been a long-time admirer of the mobile striker, who has two goals for Ireland. He also bagged a goal for Saints in a game with the Scotland U21s.

“I’m getting a player with international experience at a vital stage of the season. We have injuries and it is vital to have choices up top.

“Graham has signed through to the end of the season and we’ll take it from there. He is a great addition to the squad and Graham has already proved he is Premier class.”