Reid: I'll pay for flights to play for Trap

Republic of Ireland midfielder Andy Reid is desperate to win his place back in Giovanni Trapattoni’s squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.

The talented Sunderland player first found himself out of the team under the Italian then dropped altogether, prompting a national debate.

But Reid, 26, has not given up hope of a recall when Trapattoni names his squad later this month for the qualifier against Georgia in Dublin on February 11.

Reid said: “I love playing for my country – I’d pay my own flight over there and everything to go over and play for Ireland.

“I love playing for Ireland and I would never turn down the opportunity to play. I am always so, so proud to be asked to play for Ireland.”

Reid’s chances could be further diminished if Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland makes himself available for international duty again.