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Trapattoni denies Reid rift

13/10/2008

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has stressed that he has no problem with midfielder Andy Reid.

The 26-year-old Sunderland player has yet to play a single minute on the pitch since the Italian took over in May, and reports have suggested that there may have been a falling-out between the two.

With Blackburn's Steven Reid injured, it appeared the Sunderland man may get an opportunity in Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Cyprus but it seems Trapattoni is set to select Liam Miller instead.

"I don't have any problems with anybody," insisted Trapattoni.

"I choose in all honesty and I choose thinking about the interests of the team."

"I never have pre-judgements on any players. I get angry often when the players are on the pitch, and it goes away in five minutes.

"I don't understand why Andy Reid is more important than other situations.

"I have said many, many times, we are very, very offensive.

"With two strikers, with McGeady, with Duff, with also Hunt, we are very, very offensive."

"The problem is each game we have is a very important game to qualify."

Having taken four points from their opening two away games, Trapattoni will be looking for the maximum three points against Cyprus in front of a home crowd at Croke Park.