Graham Barrett's season could be over but the classy Arsenal striker said today he would love to come back next season and play for Colchester United.

The Irishman, who became an instant hit with the U's fans on his arrival on loan last December, said the knee ligament injury he suffered on Saturday at Wycombe Wanderers has wrecked his season.

It has already cost the Dubliner a 12th Republic of Ireland cap in tonight's Under-21 international against Denmark.

And the U's season ends in three-and-half-weeks time.

But looking on the bright side, Barrett said: "If my Highbury bosses Arsene Wenger and Liam Brady say it will benefit me to have another season in the Second Division with Colchester I will be more than happy to sign another long loan deal.

"My current spell has gone really well and I would hate to end my days at Layer Road because of injury.

Meanwhile, Barrett said of his injury at Wycombe: "I'm absolutely gutted. It's so bad I didn't even bother going over to Ireland. I knew I had no chance of playing against Denmark.

"I saw Arsenal physio Colin Lewin and their specialist yesterday and I'm due to get the results of my scan today.

"With any luck it won't be as bad as we first suspected and I will be fit in time to play at least one more League game before the end of the season.

"The Colclchester fans have been great to me and I would love to be back in time to play in the final game at home to Wigan."

Published Tuesday, March 26, 2002