Kinnear defends Reid’s absence

NOTTINGHAM FOREST manager Joe Kinnear was adamant Andy Reid’s absence from the 2-0 victory against Scunthorpe in the first round of the Carling Cup was not the first act of his City Ground swansong.

Reid’s name has been linked to a number of Premiership sides as the transfer window begins to draw to a close, but Kinnear insists the prospect of his chief asset becoming cup-tied played no part in his decision.

“Andy has been away with Ireland and needed a rest - nothing more than that,” said Kinnear.