Reid boost as World Cup hopes resurrected

BARELY a week after Giovanni Trapattoni appeared to place a question mark on Steven Reid’s ability to recover fully from injury, the Irish camp has sought to placate the Blackburn Rovers midfielder who has gone public with his shock at hearing the manager’s gloomy prognosis.

Far from fearing for his long-term future, Reid – who underwent knee surgery after playing in Ireland’s opening two games of the World Cup qualification campaign – says that he now hopes to be available for the play-off against France next month, although he adds that he wouldn’t expect to start.

Yesterday, Liam Brady was in touch with both men as he sought to repair the lines of communication, and the Ireland assistant manager subsequently told reporters in Dublin that, with some more games under his belt, Reid will be firmly back in contention for his country, possibly in time for the crucial play-offs in Dublin and Paris.

Last week, Trapattoni identified the player’s injury as a cartilage problem, something flatly denied by Reid himself.

“To be honest, I really couldn’t believe what I was hearing,” said the Blackburn player. “For a start, the cartilage isn’t gone, it’s fine. In fact the surgery’s been a success. Unfortunately, I’ve just had a couple of niggly injuries, first with the hamstring and now the Achilles. So the comments amazed me. Because I’m more positive now about my fitness than I’ve been in a long time.”

Liam Brady yesterday sought to bring some official clarity to the confusion.

“Giovanni was talking in a very general way about knee injuries and it’s unfortunate that it came across to Steven that he was talking about Steven’s knee,” said Brady. “The news we have from Blackburn is that Steven will make a full recovery and the sooner that happens the better. The manager believes that 100%. He showed in the games that he played for us that he’s an outstanding midfield player and we want him back.”

While Brady also sounded a positive note about Hull’s Steve Finnan finally returning to the Irish squad in time for the play-offs, it seems that Reid’s call-up will depend on him getting some more game time for his club.

“I spoke to Steve Finnan this morning and he’s had another 90 minutes under his belt, so he’s going to come back into contention,” said Brady.

“Steven Reid is hopeful that he might get Blackburn’s next game in the Carling Cup. He has to be playing. I don’t think Giovanni is going to bring him back in if he hasn’t played one, two or three games for Blackburn.”