Axed Albion striker Graham Barrett has welcomed Brian Kerr's appointment as Republic of Ireland manager.

He believes the choice of Kerr has given his international prospects a boost, just as his stint with the Seagulls has gone into reverse.

Barrett has been on standby for Kerr's first match in charge against Scotland at Hampden Park tonight and was in the starting line-up for last night's under-21 clash between the countries at Kilmarnock.

"I've worked with him a lot," Barrett said. "He's a fantastic coach and motivator, so I was delighted to see him get the job.

"It's encouraging, because I think he has the right sort of attitude. He is a good guy to work with. The under-21 squad is basically a lot of players that won the under-16 European Championships when Brian Kerr was manager.

"I know him well and he knows me well. He has always been very helpful to me in my career.

"People in Ireland weren't surprised at all. They wanted him to get the job. I can understand people in England being surprised, because they don't know him.

"He hasn't managed over here but his credentials are second to none at international youth level. He has won two European Championships, so he definitely knows international football."

Barrett, on loan from Arsenal for the rest of the season, has been replaced up front by Gary Hart for Albion's last two matches after 13 appearances without a goal, during which he rejected a permanent move to Preston.

While his club career has been in the doldrums, Barrett has continued to progress at international level.

He helped Kerr's under-16 side win the European Championships in Scotland in 1998 and has been an under-21 regular for the last two qualification campaigns.

Barrett was called into the senior squad by former manager Mick McCarthy for last August's friendly in Finland, which he capped with a debut goal.

Last night Barrett was substituted at half time in Ireland's 2-0 defeat by the Scots.

Meanwhile, Bobby Zamora made his full debut for England under-21s in their 1-0 defeat in Italy. Empoli striker Marco Borriello scored the only goal.

Dave Beasant is still unwell, so Will Packham plays in goal for the reserves against Bristol City at Ashton Gate today (2pm).