Andy Reid may have forced his way back into the Sunderland first team but his failure to make the latest Republic of Ireland squad has not surprised manager Roy Keane in the slightest. Keane cannot understand the furore surrounding Reid's omission, telling the midfielder to view his absence as a challenge.

Giovanni Trapattoni has yet to call on the services of Reid - the 26-year-old has not played a single minute under the Italian - and the issue has dominated coverage of recent matches.

And when Reid was left out of the 23-man panel for the friendly against Poland later this month, this morning's headlines once again focused on his non-involvement.

Keane, however, is astonished by the level of publicity the issue has attracted.

"What is the big deal? Someone texted me yesterday to say Andy Reid wasn't in the Irish squad," Keane said today. "What's the big deal?

"The manager has not picked him — he has not picked lots of players. It's the manager's choice. Reidy has been left out for me lately — he could be left out tomorrow night [against Blackburn].

"What's the big deal? It's the manager's choice, and the manager has got more experience than we will ever dream of. If he thinks Reidy is not in his plans at this moment in time, then that's a challenge to Reidy. That's all it is, it's a challenge to him.

"I am sure it's grabbed headlines, but I am amazed by the publicity he seems to be getting. My God."

Darron Gibson and Blackburn's Keith Andrews, who were both elevated to the senior squad after performing well in the 'B' fixture victory over Nottingham Forest on October 9th, are among the eight midfielders selected for the Poland game.

While Trapattoni's view of Reid's role may have caused some controversy — rumours are rife of a clash between the two after the 2-1 victory over Georgia in Germany in September — he has the perfect answer to his critics.

Of the six games for which he has been in charge to date, the Republic have won three and drawn three and currently sit in second place in World Cup qualifying Group 8 with seven points from a possible nine, three behind world champions Italy, who have played a match more.