Reid back in the picture as Ireland aim to beat Albania

MILLWALL’S powerful winger, Steven Reid, is likely to be handed the opportunity of helping Ireland pole vault over Albania and into line for one of the critical top two places in the European Championship qualifying Group Ten if he comes through a fitness test tomorrow.

Reid, 22 years of age and capped eight times by Ireland, figured prominently in manager Brian Kerr’s discussions on prospects for Saturday’s match at Lansdowne Road after yesterday’s training sessions in Carrickmacross. However, Reid will have to prove his fitness in a match against Ireland’s U21 squad before he can figure.

The problem is that Reid has not played since he injured his knee while playing for Millwall against Bradford on April 5. He underwent surgery and has only been able to train vigorously for the first time since teaming up with Ireland on Saturday.