Reid makes Rovers return

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND midfielder Steven Reid made a return to action last night — playing 75 minutes of Blackburn Rovers’ 1-0 away Carling Cup Third victory over Nottingham Forest before being replaced by Irish team-mate Keith Andrews.

Benni McCarthy’s fortuitous free-kick ensured the win but Reid was counting his blessings after gifting the home side a second-half penalty.

Rovers took the lead eight minutes before the break but the hosts came close to equalising through a free-kick of their own when Earnshaw’s curling effort clipped the bar.