Revitalised Reid impresses Bruce

SUNDERLAND manager Steve Bruce would have only positive things to say about Andy Reid if Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni gave him a call.

The 27-year-old midfielder found himself struggling to command a regular place at club level and out of the reckoning on the international stage during the second half of last season.

However, with new manager Bruce in place, Reid returned for pre-season training having shed more than a stone and has not only forced his way back into the Black Cats side, but proved one of the club’s most influential figures during a promising start to the campaign.