Bruce offers help in Reid Trap spat
Wednesday, 25 November 2009 11:36Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has offered to intervene in midfielder Andy Reid's stand-off with Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni.
The 27-year-old has dropped out of the Republic reckoning since a much-publicised bust-up with the Italian in the wake of the 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Georgia in Germany last September which got their campaign off to the perfect start.
However, the clamour for the two men to resolve their differences has grown since Reid returned to Wearside for pre-season training - having shed more than a stone in weight - and since proved himself a key member of Bruce's side.
The Sunderland manager told the Journal: 'I have had a conversation with Andy and that has to remain confidential.
'I hope after the World Cup campaign there can be some sort of compromise.
'It is a shame because his bit of quality against France [in last week's World Cup play-off second leg] might have made the difference.
'It is a shame that he is not representing his country. I know in his condition he is arguably playing at the height of his profession. He has arguably been our best player this season.
'If Andy wanted me to, then I would have the conversation, of course I would. But I will keep what we have talked about to myself.'
