Reid calls time on his Ireland career

SOCCER/ INTERNATIONAL NEWS:NINE YEARS after being given his Republic of Ireland debut by Mick McCarthy, Steven Reid has announced his retirement from international football, the West Bromwich Albion midfielder, whose career has been blighted by a string of serious injuries, opting to concentrate on club football.

Reid’s last international appearance came in the World Cup qualifying game away to Montenegro in September 2008, when he won his 23rd cap, but the following month he was ruled out for the season with a knee injury. By then he had already endured several lengthy spells out of the game, injuries limiting him to just over 40 appearances for Blackburn in his last four seasons with the club.

When Giovanni Trapattoni publicly expressed doubts last October about the prospect of Reid ever fully recovering from his injuries, he prompted a furious response from Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce, who described the Italian’s remarks as “disgusting”.

Allardyce, though, later allowed Reid leave the club, a successful loan spell with West Brom, who he helped win promotion to the Premier League, leading to a two-year contract. The 29-year-old was also offered a deal by Celtic, but chose to stay in England.

Reid, who won four under-16 caps with England, qualified to play for the Republic through his maternal grandfather from Ballinasloe.

He was part of the Millwall underage set-up when McCarthy was manager at the London club and moved to Blackburn in 2003.

The highlight of his international career, he said yesterday, came at the 2002 World Cup finals when he made appearances as a late substitute against Cameroon and Germany.

He also captained his country once, under Steve Staunton, in the 2006 friendly against the Netherlands in Dublin.

“It was a tough decision because I’ve had some terrific times with Ireland,” said Reid, “but having weighed everything up, I know this is the right decision. The injuries I’ve had over the past couple of years have been well-documented and I’ve taken this step to prolong my club career and to spend more time with my family.”

“I’ve had some unforgettable times with Ireland and it has always been a huge honour for me to wear the Irish jersey. It’s just a shame my injuries cut short the number of caps I possibly could have won over the past few years.

“I wish the squad every success and thank the players, the back-room team and the management for their help, support and friendship over the past nine years. I would also like to say a massive thank you to all the Irish fans for their support, it was an honour to represent them.”

“We are sorry to hear about Steven’s decision,” said Trapattoni. “His commanding presence for Ireland will be missed by his team-mates and fans alike.

“He always showed tremendous commitment to the Irish jersey even during difficult times in his career and for that we thank him most warmly. We wish Steven well for his future club career and we thank him for his outstanding commitment.”