Reid ready for Zidane and Co
Andy Reid goes into what he describes as “the biggest match of my career” believing an ageing France team are in for a fright tomorrow night.
Despite the return of the inspirational Zinedine Zidane, along with Claude Makelele and Lilian Thuram, Republic of Ireland winger Reid feels France are still a shadow of the team which won the World Cup in 1998.
“I watched parts of France’s game (against the Faroe Islands) on Saturday, and not being disrespectful to them, I don’t think they are the team that won the World Cup,” Reid said.
“There have been a lot of changes, and the fact Zidane is back does not change anything for me.
“France still have a lot of quality players and if even Zidane was not there then there would be another quality player to come in and take his place.
“We just have to go about our job and do the best we can. I am sure if we do that then we will be happy.”
France visit Lansdowne Road for a crucial World Cup qualifying showdown in a group which has become even tighter in the wake of the results on Saturday.
Switzerland’s 1-1 draw with Israel and France’s 3-0 win over the Faroes has left the Swiss, Ireland and the French all tied on 13 points from their seven matches played in Group Four.
The Israelis are a point further back, and although they have played a game more, they finish their campaign with home and away matches against the Faroes - an almost certain six points.
It means the Republic’s date with destiny against France has become a match neither side can afford to lose, with Reid confident Ireland have the edge.
“They won’t be looking forward to coming to Lansdowne Road and playing against us. They will look at our record and see there are not many teams that get a good result,” he added.
“We have turned it into a fortress, so they know they are going to be in for a tough game.
“Everybody’s going to be working their socks off, and on top of that we have a hell of a lot of quality players ourselves, and that will frighten them as well.”
With 17 caps to his credit since making his debut almost two years ago, Reid feels he is becoming an established player on the international stage.
He appreciates, though, he still has much to learn, which is why this game is important to him, adding: “It will be the biggest of my career.
“It’s the stuff you dream of as a kid, playing in these big games, and everybody in the squad – including myself – can’t wait to get out on the pitch and do the best we can.
“To play in these kind of games can only do you good and stand you in good stead in the future.
“People have seen me put in some really good performances and I am happy with how I have performed on the international stage so far.
“But I still feel I am learning all the time, and getting better all the time. The more games I play, the better I am getting.”
With the support of a sell-out crowd roaring him on and the rest of the players, Reid is convinced Ireland can pull off the result they need.
“The crowd have always been very good to us at Lansdowne Road, and they will play an important part because they realise it’s such a big game,” added Reid.
“You can tell that by the amount of people looking for tickets – half of my family can’t get tickets, and the FAI haven’t helped much either!
“But it just shows how important the game is, and I am sure the fans will be getting behind us and backing us all the way, which is what we need.”
Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr has a full squad to choose from as Damien Duff has shaken off a knee injury, while Kevin Kilbane and Andy O’Brien are fit after recovering from illness.
