Reid passed fit to face Norway

Blackburn midfielder Steven Reid will return to the Republic of Ireland first team against Norway tonight after passing a fitness test.

The 27-year-old, who has not played for his country for almost two years because of a succession of injuries, was a doubt after sustaining a knee problem in training in Sunday.

Manager Giovanni Trapattoni yesterday named him provisionally in his starting line-up, with Sunderland's Liam Miller standing by.

However, Reid was passed fit this morning and will line up alongside Stoke's Glenn Whelan in central midfield at the Ullevaal Stadium.

Reid won the last of his 20 caps to date against Germany in September 2006.