Trap waits on Reid as Whelan gets the nod

STEVEN REID’S almost year-long wait to resume his international career will be extended at least until this morning when the Blackburn Rovers midfielder undergoes a late fitness test to see if he will be fit to play against Norway in the Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo this evening (6pm Irish time).

Giovanni Trapattoni said yesterday he was confident Reid, who picked up a knock in training two days ago, would make the cut but, should he fail to do so, Liam Miller will take his place. And in what can be perceived as at least a temporary blow to Ireland’s other Reid, Andy, the Ireland manager has opted to stick with Stoke City’s Glenn Whelan – who played against both Serbia and Colombia.

While Trapattoni allowed that the Sunderland midfielder could yet play a part this evening, or in other games, his general comments seemed to indicate he favours a more physical and defensively-minded central combination.