Reid : We have nothing to fear

STEVEN REID believes the Republic of Ireland have nothing to fear as they prepare to face France at Lansdowne Road next month.

A win against France would give Brian Kerr’s side a massive boost in their bid to reach the World Cup Finals in Germany next year.

The Blackburn midfielder admits the game against the French could have a telling impact on Ireland’s chances.

“I think it’s a game we can get something out of,” said Reid. “We drew with them away and it’s important that we do get something from this one.

“A win or a draw would mean we have got a chance of going to Germany next summer.”

France have recently slipped to ninth in the FIFA rankings, their lowest place since winning the World Cup in 1998.

France manager Raymond Domenech will once again be able to call on Zinedine Zidane after the Real Madrid playmaker returned from international retirement.

But Reid, 24, believes that a full-strength Ireland side is more than capable of upsetting the odds. He said: “With all our key players fit, I’m sure we can get a result. If we can win the next three games we qualify, so we have to go out there and try and get the win.

“We don’t fear France, we went to their ground and got a result so there is no reason why we can’t get a result at Lansdowne Road.”

Meanwhile, France coach Raymond Domenech does not intend to call up Robert Pires again as he claims the Arsenal midfielder is incompatible with the rest of the French side.

The 32-year-old has not played for his country since last October after he criticised Domenech.

But Domenech insists he does not have a personal problem with the player.

“My choice is only a sporting choice. Sometimes there are incompatibilities, not personal, but technical, between the players,” he said.