Reid ‘just loving getting that green jersey on again’

IT COMES as something of a shock to open the FAI’s team media guide and find that Steven Reid was winning only his 22nd senior cap for his country against Georgia. After all, seven years have passed since he made his debut.

Injuries have been a cruel companion in that time. Last month’s draw against Norway in Oslo was his first appearance in green in almost two years but it wasn’t the first lengthy absence he had endured from the international game.

The Blackburn midfielder’s name disappeared from the roster for further periods of 14 months and a year between 2004 and 2006. John O’Shea, who made his debut in the same game as Reid, against Croatia in 2001, has 25 more caps.

“I enjoyed the last two games more than any I’ve played at international level so far due to the fact that I was out for two years,” said Reid. “I’m just loving getting that green jersey on again.

“Two years is a long time in football. Back then I was one of the younger players, now I’m one of the seniors at 27. It’s a more important role that I’m playing. I try to give some of the younger lads a bit of encouragement.

“I think that has shown in the last few games. I’m enjoying my role in the team. The manager is showing a bit of faith in me, which helps my performance. I’m enjoying playing my football.”

So he should. It’s been enjoyable watching him too. His was a masterclass of a display in Mainz. Languid and stylish, he never seems hurried or harried when in possession. Stray balls are rare trespassers on his watch.

Reid’s sumptuous first-time pass to Robbie Keane was the key that unlocked the door to the Georgian defence for Kevin Doyle’s opening goal and he is developing a promising understanding with Glenn Whelan who also impressed.

“I’m delighted for Glenn getting his goal. He has been superb the last few games. I have really enjoyed playing alongside him the last few games. I’ve been really impressed with his ability.

“We both like getting on the ball. We both have decent passing ability and if he finds himself in a deeper role he will get it. If not I will. We complement each other really well and we have a decent understanding after only a few games.”

Whelan’s inclusion at Andy Reid’s expense has covered many a column inch. Few people would argue that the Stoke player is better than his Sunderland counterpart but the team as it is being picked boasts balance.

As England have proven in past years, picking your best XI players isn’t a recipe for success. Giovanni Trapattoni has spent hours on end working on basics like shape in training and it is paying off. Ireland’s players moved in unison, like a team of synchronised swimmers, two days ago.

“We are just trying to make sure that the six of us – myself and Glenn and the four at the back – have the right shape and let the other four lads do their thing. Whelo chipped in with a goal as well, which was great.

“If we keep a solid formation it will be hard for teams to break us down. At times, Georgia had good possession but they didn’t really hurt us and that is what we are aiming for.”

Steven Reid is the man who dictates Ireland’s tempo. The amount of times he takes just the one touch is striking. His frugality on the ball keeps the play ticking along while his positional sense means he is invariably available to receive a pass.

THERE is no doubt but that he is profiting from Trapattoni’s attempt to tweak Ireland’s traditional game. Long balls are no longer the staple diet as the Italian continues to teach his pupils about the benefit of patience.

“It is a definite system that he puts out there. Myself and Whelo are sitting in the middle of the park, in an Italian way maybe, but the most important thing to do is get the result. He has instilled that into us.

“You sit in there and get plenty of ball. We’ve got lots of good players in the team and we need to show character to get on the ball. We did that and we’re looking forward to Wednesday now.”

Another three points will be hard won. Montenegro have lost only once in six home games since being admitted to UEFA in January of last year and were unfortunate to draw with Bulgaria in Podgorica on Saturday.

They may still be something of an unknown quantity but Reid is well aware that it is not because of their footballing ability that Montenegro are the lowest seeds in this six-team group.

“That’s due to the fact that it is a pretty new country. Their seeding doesn’t really reflect what a good team they are but, after this win, there is no reason why we can’t get the three points there and go home with six points which would be a really good start to the group.”