Brighton and Hove Albion have strengthened their depleted squad with two new signings.

Arsenal's young Republic of Ireland forward Graham Barrett and experienced centre half Guy Butters go straight into the team for tomorrow's sell-out against leaders Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

Barrett, fresh from a goal eight minutes into his senior international debut as a substitute in Finland last week, has joined the Seagulls on loan for two months.

Butters, captured on a free transfer from First Division rivals Gillingham, has signed a two-year contract and makes his debut against one of his former clubs.

The deal for Barrett was clinched after manager Martin Hinshelwood and chairman Dick Knight watched the 20-year-old Dubliner play for Arsenal's reserves against Charlton at Barnet on Wednesday night.

The path was smoothed by former Albion boss Liam Brady, now the Gunners' head of youth development, who spotted Barrett playing for a Sunday League club.

Barrett, currently in his fifth season at Highbury, has been restricted to a couple of substitute appearances in the Premier League in 1999-2000.

He scored four goals in 20 games on loan to Colchester in the Second Division last season following earlier brief loan stints with Crewe and Bristol Rovers.

Hinshelwood said: "With the injuries up front it was important to bring somebody in. Graham is at a Premiership club, so he has a good breeding. He can play anywhere across the front and he is a good passer with quick feet.

"He has been working with people like Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp, so we are excited he is coming to us."

Barrett, spearheading the attack tomorrow in the absence of Bobby Zamora (knee) and Paul Kitson (hamstring), said: "Liam told me it's a great place to come and learn the game. I am looking forward to getting regular first team football."

We revealed yesterday that Albion had resurrected their bid to sign Butters. The 31-year-old, who started his career at Spurs, could not agree personal terms when the Seagulls tried to land him before the start of the season.

"Guy gets his head in the way of things and defends well," Hinshelwood said. "He will give us strength at the back after Simon Morgan's retirement in the summer."

Butters will partner captain Danny Cullip tomorrow, prompting a probable positional switch for his friend and former Portsmouth team-mate Robbie Pethick.

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