Fresh injury scare for midfielder Reid

Republic of Ireland international midfielder Steven Reid has suffered a fresh injury scare ahead of Wednesday's friendly international with Norway.

The injury-plagued Blackburn Rovers player took a knock in training yesterday and was rested as a precaution, as manager Giovanni Trapattoni put his players through their paces at the Bislett Stadium in Oslo.

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni is confident that Reid will recover in time to play a part in Wednesday's game, but given the midfielder's injury history, he may opt to play it safe.

Medical officer Alan Byrne said: 'Steven took a knock to his knee yesterday in training, so as a precautionary measure, we just thought it was better that he sit out the session this evening.

'We will review the situation tomorrow, but the expectation at this stage is that he will resume training tomorrow.'

Reid, 26, won the last of 20 senior caps in the opening Euro 2008 qualifier in Germany in September 2006, with back and knee injuries hampering him since.

'It's a long while now without a cap, almost two years, and I’m desperately looking forward to Wednesday night's match and hopefully pulling on that jersey for Ireland,' Reid said, when linking up with the Irish squad.

'It was a tough time for me with the all the injuries. But, during the lay-off, I worked hard in the gym, did a lot of strength and that can only benefit myself, Blackburn and Ireland.'