Albion's new front Gunner Graham Barrett has revealed how a serious illness put his career on hold for 18 months.

A loan spell with Bristol Rovers for Arsenal's young Republic of Ireland international forward in December 2000 was dramatically cut short by a bout of glandular fever.

Barrett, signed in a double swoop by the Seagulls with centre half Guy Butters from Gillingham, made just one substitute appearance for Rovers. "I was ill in the first game and was only there for a day," he said.

"They checked me out and I had glandular fever. It kept me out for about a year and a half.

"It took me a long time to recover. I lost a stone in weight, I wasn't able to run as fast and I couldn't sustain my fitness levels. Now I am over it and I feel great, back to my best."

Barrett, 20, provided confirmation of his complete recovery with a sensational start to his senior international career last week.

Called up to Mick McCarthy's squad after 14 under-21 caps, the Dubliner made his debut as a substitute in the friendly in Finland and scored within eight minutes to round off a 3-0 win.

"It was a great feeling," he said. "I am looking forward to getting regular first team football with Brighton. It will be good for my career.

"I have a year left on my contract at Highbury, but I've got a fair bit of competition at the moment! They are all great people and Dennis Bergkamp has been quite good to me in particular. He has tried to help me.

"I can play anywhere up front, on either wing or in the hole, but I like to play as a central striker like Dennis."

Albion saw off competition from clubs including First Division rivals Bradford City to sign Barrett on loan for two months to solve the striker shortage caused by injuries to Bobby Zamora and Paul Kitson.

He almost played against the Seagulls for Colchester at the end of last season, but knee ligament damage sustained against Wycombe a week earlier ended his loan spell at Layer Road after four goals in 20 games.

Albion were recommended to Barrett by his mentor and former Seagulls chief Liam Brady, now head of youth development at Highbury.

"Liam spotted me playing for a Sunday League club and brought me over to Arsenal," explained Ray Parlour's ex-boot boy. "He told me Brighton is a great place to come and learn the game.

"I know they have been champions for the last two years and like to play football, so that is good enough for me."

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