Reid fit to face Montenegro

Republic of Ireland midfielder Steven Reid shook off a knee problem to take his place in the side for tonight’s World Cup qualifier in Montenegro.

The 26-year-old was manager Giovanni Trapattoni’s only doubt for the game, but was declared fit after training at the Podgorica Stadium last night.

That meant the Italian was able to start with the same side which launched their campaign with a 2-1 win over Georgia in Mainz at the weekend.

Montenegro coach Zoran Filipovic made two changes to the side which drew 2-2 with Bulgaria on Saturday as the injured Branko Boskovic and Dragan Bogavac missed out, with Milan Jovanovic and Elsad Zverotic replacing them.

Montenegro: Poleksic, Pavicevic, Batak, Tanasijevic, Jovanovic, Drincic, Pekovic, Zverotic, Jovetic, Vladimir Bozovic, Vucinic.

Subs: Mladen Bozovic, Pejovic, Burzanovic, Jeknic, Novakovic, Djalovic, Vukcevic.

Rep of Ireland: Given, Finnan, O’Shea, Dunne, Kilbane, McGeady, Whelan, Steven Reid, Hunt, Doyle, Keane.

Subs: Kiely, Andy Reid, Miller, McShane, Delaney, Keogh, Murphy.

Referee: Sten Kaldma (Estonia)