Brady moves to clarify Reid's absence

Giovanni Trapattoni avoided the media glare at the Republic of Ireland's taining session at Gannon Park in Malahide today, but assistant coach Liam Brady was on hand dampen reports that Andy Reid's attitude is not the reason for his omission from the squad to face Poland on Wednesday.

Reid's absence has dominated press briefings with the Ireland manager of late and the Italian yesterday referred to the Sunderland player's glum demeanour when he has not featured in the national side and indicated his preference for those who remained positive regardless of their part in his plans.

He also pointed to the fact that Reid was not the type of player he needed at the moment and it was this line that Brady chose to emphasise today.

"He [Trapattoni] outlined that he doesn't want to change the system," insisted Brady this afternoon. "I read the papers this morning about Andy having a poor attitude - that's not what Giovanni was saying.

"Andy has trained well, he has been good around the group, but I think the manager thought he is not going to be figuring, so until he does, it is best not to have him here, that's all."

It is hard to argue with the assessment given the fact that Trapattoni's side is second in its world qualifying group behind Italy after two wins and a draw.

His preference for two holding central midfielder and orthodox wingers on the flanks means Reid's playmaking skills through the centre would upset the balance of the Italian's formation.

Given Trapattoni's recent assertion that at club level Reid plays a similar role to Stephen Ireland at Manchester City, the Italian's requests that the latter end his self-imposed exile from the national team beg the question as to where he would fit into the system.

The 22-year-old scored both goals in Manchester City's 2-2 draw at Hull yesterday to confirm his status as one of the form players of the Premiership and there remains a desire among the coaching staff to see a resolution to the situation.

"Absolutely," said Brady when asked today. "And I do agree with [City boss] Mark Hughes, he is Man City's best player this year.

"He is playing very, very well, and we know what he can do. But the situation is what it is.

"You should ask Stephen Ireland what is on his agenda. We have been to see the boy, we have asked him to come back.

"Do you want us to go over every week to ask him?"

Coventry goalkeeper Keiren Westwood has been drafted into the squad after the withdrawal of Dean Kiely. The 24-year-old was summoned after his veteran West Brom counterpart sprained a wrist in training.

He will compete with Scunthorpe's Joe Murphy to provide the back-up for Shay Given in Wednesday night's friendly against Poland.

Westwood's arrival came as Reading striker Noel Hunt joined the squad following the injuries which have cost manager Giovanni Trapattoni the services of skipper Robbie Keane and winger Aiden McGeady.

Hull duo Caleb Folan and Paul McShane, as well as Manchester City defender Richard Dunne and Given, trained with their team-mates at Gannon Park in Malahide this morning.

Given was allowed to join up late so he could be at home for his son's birthday, while Hull and City met in the Barclays Premier League yesterday afternoon.

Meanwhile, FAI chief executive John Delaney has announced a six-year commercial partnership agreement with Lucozade Sport.