Keane hints at sinister element behind Andy Reid furore

ROY KEANE reckons the media have whipped up a storm over Andy Reid’s omission from the Republic of Ireland side – because of Giovanni Trapattoni’s impressive start in charge.

Sunderland midfielder Reid was on the bench again for the 1-0 World Cup qualifying win against Cyprus at Croke Park on Wednesday amid reports of a clash with the veteran Italian coach.

Stoke’s Glenn Whelan and Manchester United rookie Darron Gibson were preferred in central midfield to the Black Cats’ duo of Reid and Liam Miller.

But former Republic skipper Keane sees no issue. He said: “People are saying they are inexperienced but you only get experience from playing games. I just think they are making a deal with Reidy at the moment because things are going well for Ireland and Trapattoni. Some people aren’t happy, whether it be the media or whoever. You might laugh, but I’m convinced of it.

“They are going to look for an angle, but Liam Miller was left out. Liam might have thought he had a chance with Steven Reid at Blackburn being injured.

“But they have young Gibson and, trust me, he’s a good player. I’ve seen him play many a time and I’ve trained with the lad, and he’s a talented boy. And the lad Whelan has done a good job, so again, I think the media are just looking for an angle to maybe create something that’s not quite there because things are going pretty well.’’

Trapattoni has indicated he doesn’t feel that Reid fits into his system, but Keane added: “You would have to ask Mr Trapattoni about that. It’s none of my business. Reidy was on the bench and I’m sure, if he had been called upon, he would have done a job, just like Liam. Murph (Daryl Murphy) and Stokesy (Anthony Stokes) were in the squad and Paul McShane, another Sunderland player, played at right-back.

“I have no issues with it, none whatsoever, honestly. Of course I expect Reidy to get his head down here and try to get back in the picture – what else is he going to do?’’

When asked whether Reid was unhappy about the situation, Keane said: “You would have to speak to Reidy about that. But if you spoke to any of my players and asked whether they were happy sitting on the bench and they said, ‘yeah,’ I would be disappointed.

“Players want to play but the manager has called it the way he sees it, like Steve Staunton used to do, Brian Kerr, Mick McCarthy, Jack Charlton. You don’t have to agree with them, particularly if they are getting results.’’

Meanwhile striker Stokes, yesterday completed a three-month loan move to Sheffield United. Asked if Stokes can ultimately be as successful at the highest level in England, Keane said: “That’s the big if. If I’ve said it once I’ve said it a hundred times – the potential with Stokesy is there. In defence of the lad, he’s played cameo roles for me. His best position is certainly down the middle, but he’s not done enough to get in my team as yet.

“But he’s a young boy and hopefully he’ll get games through the middle at Sheffield United if he goes there and trains hard. He understands the situation, 100%.

“He’s a good lad. I spoke to him last week and told him an option was there if he fancied it and he said he wanted to think about it.

“I spoke to him again and he said he fancied it. I think it’s a good option at a good club with a good manager in Kevin Blackwell. Stokesy has to go there with the attitude that he’s going to work his socks off – and score a few goals for them.’’