After moving from Middlesbrough to Everton, the Hull-born player struggled initially with rather indifferent performances, however he has since rediscovered his form.

The call-up to the national squad could not have come at a better time, with the diminutive midfielder playing his best football for some time.

His inclusion in the squad might also help Kevin Keegan solve one of England's major headaches - the left side and the lack of a suitable replacement for the injured Graeme Le Saux.

Although he is not a naturally left-sided player, Keegan feels he is versatile enough to play there.

The creative midfielder will have to demonstrate that he can still play at the highest level given his last appearance for the national side was under Glenn Hoddle in a World Cup qualifier in Moldova in 1996 - a game in which he scored.

Barmby will hope he can become a more permanent fixture in the England set-up given his failure to feature in the national side at Euro 96.