Morrison tips Premiership move for Reid

Andy Reid’s agent is determined to land the Nottingham Forest midfielder a big-money move in January, according to international team-mate Clinton Morrison.

Transfer-listed Reid wanted to quit Forest for the Barclays Premiership before the transfer window but a move Tottenham fell through.

Reid conceded on Friday to being “frustrated” and “disappointed” but vowed not to let it affect his game.

True to his word, Reid then produced a man-of-the-match performance on Saturday as the Republic of Ireland opened up their World Cup qualifying campaign with an easy 3-0 Group Four victory over Cyprus at Lansdowne Road.

Reid crowned his display with a stunning 25-yard strike, all in front of the watching Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, who must surely have been an interested spectator.

Morrison, who also scored against on Saturday to end his year-long international goal drought, is stunned Reid remains a Coca-Cola Championship player – but reckons that will change when the market re-opens in January.

“I thought I ran him close for the man-of-the-match award,” said the Birmingham striker.

“But he did deserve it. He is a top talent and no disrespect to the Championship, but I don’t think he will be playing there for much longer. Come January, I think a top club will take him because he is a marvellous player and I’m sure he can play just as well in the Premiership.

“Because we have the same agent [Neil Fewings at SFX], me and Andy talk a lot, and I know a few clubs were in for him recently. Tottenham badly wanted him.

“I’m surprised he didn’t go anywhere, but I know my agent is looking to get him away in January. His time will come because he is a good player and he is still young.”

Morrison goes into Wednesday’s clash against Switzerland in Basle with renewed confidence and optimism following his goal against Cyprus. He also believes Ireland also have a score to settle with the Swiss following the two defeats they suffered in the qualifying campaign for the European Championships, with the 2-0 loss in Basle 11 months ago ending their hopes of appearing at Portugal.

“At the back of my mind the fact I wasn’t scoring was affecting me,” added Morrison.

“But I knew if I continued to get chances and get in the positions then I would put one away, which I did and hopefully now I can go on a run. The main thing was the win. I thought the team played well, we were well organised and we did a professional job and the result has given us a good platform.

“But we were favourites to win, and if we hadn’t come away with the points then people would have been moaning, so I thought we handled the pressure well.

“Now we’re looking to get revenge over Switzerland. We know what we have to do – put in another professional performance and come away with at least a point.

“But we know it’s going to be difficult. It’s a hostile place to play, but hopefully we can do a job.”