Outcast not downcast: Reid vows to earn return

AFTER a week in which he was again overlooked by Giovanni Trapattoni, despite injuries to a number of other midfield players, Andy Reid has insisted he will continue to work hard at Sunderland in the hope that it is enough to earn him an international recall.

“I have no control over being selected for Ireland – the only thing I can control is to perform for Sunderland,” he told a local newspaper.

“That’s the only response open to me. I can’t sit in my house and worry about not getting into the Ireland squad. I don’t pick the Ireland squad.

“I’m just concentrating on giving everything for Sunderland and hopefully the Ireland manager will notice my performances.

“As far as I am concerned my Ireland career isn’t over. I love playing for Ireland and if the opportunity came to play I’d be delighted.”

Reid has not featured for Ireland since Trapattoni succeeded Steve Staunton as manager, and while the Italian has insisted there is nothing personal involved in the 27-year-old’s continued omission, his judgment has been called increasingly into question as the midfielder’s fitness and form have both dramatically improved in recent months.