No bucking the system

YOU can’t beat the system —especially if your name is Andy Reid or Lee Carsley.

That was the clear message from Giovanni Trapattoni yesterday as he unveiled his squad for the February 11 World Cup qualifier against Georgia in Dublin. Yet again, there was no place for the midfielders from Sunderland and Birmingham City. And, despite media speculation to the contrary, no place either for Stephen Ireland though, as ever, his situation is unique.

Unlike the Manchester City star, Reid and Carsley have made no secret of their desire to play again for their country but, following this latest rebuff – and the implication that they are not likely to feature in the manager’s plans perhaps for the remainder of the campaign – it remains to be seen if the two players will think it worthwhile to continue making themselves available for international duty.