Reid: we’ll revel the pressure

SUNDERLAND’S Gary Breen was the only member of Brian Kerr’s original squad of 22 who failed to make yesterday’s flight to Cyprus, the veteran Sunderland defender ruled out for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier with a calf injury.

Before the long haul to Nicosia, the Republic of Ireland held their final training session in Malahide, with two contenders for a place - Stephen Carr and Steven Reid - reduced to a watching brief. However, Brian Kerr expects both to be okay.

Said the Irish manager: “We got a bit of ice on Steven Reid’s foot because he slightly turned his ankle. But I don’t think it’s too bad and he should be fine. And Stephen Carr was feeling a bit sore after the game at the weekend but it’s nothing serious and I expect him to train fully tomorrow morning.”