Millwall midfielder Steven Reid has been handed his senior debut for tomorrow night’s friendly against Croatia at Lansdowne Road. Manager Mick McCarthy believes that Reid deserves a chance to play, especially with key players like Stephen Carr, Jeff Kenna, Gary Breen, Niall Quinn and Matt Holland missing through injury.
Reid has been surprised at his rapid rise to international level. "I was delighted to see my name there when manager Mick McCarthy chose his original squad. Then the panel was reduced to 24 and I couldn't wait to get on the plane to Dublin for the squad sessions. I was thrilled. Now I have been told that I am playing right from the start against Croatia," said 20-year-old Reid.
"It hasn't sunk in yet and the first thing I did was to ring my mother back at home. She will definitely be travelling over for the game. Maybe I will be a little bit nervous at the start. But I want to play out of my skin and repay the faith put in me by the Irish boss," added the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, who qualifies because his late father was born in Ballinasloe.
McCarthy is confident that Reid is good enough to make the leap from league to international level. "The lad has the ability and the physical strength to make an immediate impression, although it is a huge step up from First Division football to the international level," he said.
As expected, Steve Staunton will win his record 90th senior international cap, partnering Richard Dunne in the centre of defence. However, McCarthy has opted to play Damien Duff up front alongside Leeds striker Robbie Keane in a new look strike partnership.
"Robbie has been on fire in pre-season games and his career can really kick-start once again after his ankle problems last year. Damien Duff is also deserving of his place after his end of season performances against Portugal and Estonia," said McCarthy.
Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison and Manchester United reserve central defender John O'Shea are expected to come on as substitutes at some stage. "If these lads all play well, they will give me a nice problem before I name my squad for the qualifier against Holland next month," said McCarthy.
Meanwhile, tickets are still available for tomorrow night’s game, priced between £10 and £30. They can be bought at FAI headquarters at Merrion Square and will also be on sale at caravans outside the ground before the game.
Irish team (in full): Shay Given; Gary Kelly, Richard Dunne, Steve Staunton, Ian Harte; Steven Reid, Lee Carsley, Roy Keane, Mark Kennedy; Robbie Keane and Damien Duff.
Filed by Greg McKevitt
