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 on Saturday 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 master plan 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 an 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-so I am really enjoying it".

 

Reid's blossoming partnership with Whelan has been perhaps the biggest change made by Trappatoni, who has resisted the temptation to throw Sunderland's Andy Reid into the mix. 

 

Ireland will meet Montenegro this Wednesday for their next game in the World Cup group stages.

 

Monday 8th of September 2008