Speed sings the praises of forgotten man Reid

NEW Wales boss Gary Speed has lavished praise on exiled Irish international Andy Reid.

Speed had the Dubliner on loan at Sheffield United until just before both men left Bramall Lane recently and yesterday said he was surprised that Reid — who is now back at Sunderland — is deemed surplus to requirements at international level.

“He was an excellent player, technically probably our best player and he played every game he was available for and contributed well,” he said. He’s a Premiership player no doubt, and he did stand out in the Championship. His attitude also impressed me, off and on the pitch. He wants to do well and hopefully it won’t be too long before he’s back in.”