Reid plans to make his mark
Steven Reid knows he is only keeping the captaincy of the Republic of Ireland warm for Robbie Keane’s return, but that will not stop him from sending a chill down the spine of his team-mates.
With the loss of Keane and vice-captain Shay Given to injury, Ireland manager Steve Staunton has handed the skipper’s armband to a player who has rapidly become one of the first names down on the teamsheet.
Of his 18 caps over five years, Blackburn midfielder Reid has only played the full 90 minutes on four occasions – two of those the matches in which Staunton has been in charge.
It is obvious Reid is a player Staunton admires, and no wonder after a superb season for Blackburn last term in which he underlined his talent, resulting in speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United.
The 25-year-old instead opted to sign a new contract at Ewood Park, with a whirlwind two months completed tomorrow when he leads out his country for the first time for the friendly with Holland at Lansdowne Road.
Reid, though, is adamant he will not simply be out to enjoy the possibly one-off landmark in his career.
“Because of the injuries I know I’m holding the fort for Robbie and Shay, but it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to,” insisted Reid.
“After a good season last season, I’m going to try to play my usual game. Hopefully I can continue that tomorrow.
“But in being given the captaincy, it’s already changed my mindset.
“I’m going to be more demanding of players around me. It’s important I do that, and hopefully it will bring out the best in them and me.
“I’ll be vocal. That has come out in my play more at club level, and I think I’ll do the same now I’m captain of Ireland.
“I know I can do that because after last season I’ve a lot more confidence.
“That probably started with Mark Hughes’ arrival at Blackburn, with him giving me a good run in the team, and now Stan (Staunton) is doing the same.
“Both have shown a lot of faith in me. Hopefully they will see the rewards, starting tomorrow.”
Reid, who was only told of his appointment straight after training and moments before today’s media conference, was given the nod ahead of the more experienced Kevin Kilbane and Steve Finnan.
Explaining his reasoning behind the decision, Staunton said: “He had a great season last season.
“He is also probably in the most important position on the park, and the added responsibility will bring him on.
“He has shown in training that he has taken on board everything we’ve said, and he is maturing as a player and a person.”
As Staunton has noted, Reid has had injury problems over the years, which is why the 18 caps have taken so long to acquire.
But he can see a player ready to fulfil his potential, adding: “He needed 12 months of playing football.
“He has had that, and it benefitted him and Blackburn Rovers. With that, it is going to benefit us as well.”
Although naturally shocked to be named captain, particularly as he feels it was several years ago he last wore an armband at youth-team level, Reid is at least hoping he will not be a one-hit wonder.
“I’ve not been a captain for quite a few years,” added Reid.
“It’s a big step up to captain the national team, but with the faith that has been shown in me, there comes confidence.
“I thought it might happen at some point in my career. It’s just come a bit quicker than I and a lot of other people probably thought.
“But if I do a good job, then somewhere down the line there might be another possibility.”
