STEVEN REID put two years of injury misery behind him to remind the Republic of Ireland of just what they had been missing.
The 26-year-old Blackburn midfielder anchored Giovanni Trapattoni's side as they launched their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Georgia in Mainz and, in the process, confirmed his long-awaited return to fitness.
Reid, whose
last appearance for his country before the recent friendly in Norway had come against Germany almost two years earlier, turned in an assured display alongside Glenn Whelan in a dual midfield holding role as Trapattoni's masterplan paid dividends.
Having spent so long watching Ireland's games from afar because of injury, he was simply thrilled to be back in the picture.
Reid said: "I'm delighted. To be out of the squad so long with injury, I am delighted to be back in the fold. It's a pretty new role in the side and I am seeing plenty of the ball, which I am enjoying. I am enjoying playing alongside Glenn in there – he has been brilliant."
Reid's blossoming partnership with Whelan has been perhaps the biggest change made by Trapattoni, who has resisted the temptation to throw Sunderland's Andy Reid into the mix, and controversially so for many commentators.
Stoke midfielder Whelan has been ever present since the Italian took over at the helm, and he marked his fourth cap at the Bruchweg Stadium last night with his first senior international goal. His contribution to the victory – his 70th-minute strike put Ireland 2-0 in front after Kevin Doyle had headed home a 13th-minute Aiden McGeady cross – came after he spent his club's last two Barclays Premier League games on the bench.
Reid, who will hope to start against Montenegro in Podgorica on Wednesday, said: "It's surprising he has not played the last couple of games at club level.
"He is great technically, a great passer of the ball, he can put his foot in as well, and I have been really impressed with him in the last couple of games.
"Hopefully we can improve the partnership and go forward.
"It is a bit of an Italian way, maybe. He (Trapattoni] likes us two to sit in there and keep the ball. But Glenn chipped in with a goal on Saturday night, which we are all delighted about. I am really enjoying the partnership, and hopefully that will continue on Wednesday."
The full article contains 413 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
