Reid plans to make his mark

Steven Reid knows he is only keeping the captaincy of the Republic of Ireland warm for Robbie Keane’s return, but that will not stop him from sending a chill down the spine of his team-mates.

With the loss of Keane and vice-captain Shay Given to injury, Ireland manager Steve Staunton has handed the skipper’s armband to a player who has rapidly become one of the first names down on the teamsheet.