Staunton pitches Reid into action

Steve Staunton has backed midfielder Andy Reid to bounce back from the disappointment of being dropped and help steer his nation towards Euro 2008 qualification.

Staunton will bring the Charlton man back into his midfield for tonight’s vital Group D clash with the Czech Republic following the loss of Stephen Ireland due to a family bereavement.

Staunton had preferred Ireland for Saturday’s draw in Slovakia despite Reid producing arguably his best performance in a Republic shirt in last month’s 4-0 defeat of Denmark.

Staunton said of Reid: “The conditions on Saturday definitely wouldn’t have suited him but he is such a talent he can conjure a goal up out of anything or play that killer pass.

“I think the pitch will suit our players as much as theirs. They are a very good footballing side but I like to think our lads are growing and they are used to playing on good pitches.”

Reid’s recall was also welcomed by record goalscorer Robbie Keane, who said: “We have an understanding. He’s got a tremendous left foot and he can see the pass not many other players can, so he is a big player for us.”

Staunton will resist making any more changes to his side for a match the Republic really need to win if they are to maintain realistic hopes of pipping their rivals to the second qualifying place.

The Czechs currently lie three points clear but the Republic have the incentive of knowing a famous win in Prague will lift them into second place, with a more favourable run-in to come.

Staunton said he was confident his side had picked themselves up from the crushing disappointment of conceding an injury-time equaliser in Bratislava on Saturday.

“We know our passing can be a lot better and our control can also improve but it was only a few single errors in the passing department that put us in an awful lot of trouble at the end of the first half.

“We know the Czechs are a good side, they have got a very strong squad and we’re not underestimating them at all. We know we’re going to have to be at our very best again to get a draw or a win.”

The Czechs suffered a major blow with the loss of talismanic striker Jan Koller through suspension, while his fellow striker Milan Baros is struggling to shake off a back injury.

Republic defender Richard Dunne said: “Koller is a very good footballer and the focal point of the way they play, so people will think it is a big plus for us that he is missing.

“But we will have had two tough games and Wednesday will probably seem the toughest. It’s like a cup final for us, because if we get the three points we will give ourselves a great chance.”