Reid ready to impress
Steven Reid is ready to bear the weight of expectation for both club and country following a season in which he firmly thrust himself into the spotlight.
Reid stepped out of the shadows last term, playing the best football of his career for Blackburn that resulted in speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United.
Instead, Reid signed a new contract with Rovers over the summer and now he knows the onus is on him to live up to the form he showed and that earned him countless plaudits and rave reviews.
Similarly, after winning just 18 caps over five years for Ireland, he also feels the time is right for him to stake a more dominant claim in the side.
After playing the full 90 minutes of both matches under manager Steve Staunton so far, it would appear Reid is to become a pivotal player.
With it comes added responsibility to which the 25-year-old said: “It is a bit strange going into a season with so much expectation.
“It’s a good thing, though, because then I feel I have to raise my game and perform as I did last season, if not better.
“I’ve at least had a good pre-season, which is always important, and hopefully I’ll be firing on all cylinders again.
“Crucial for me now is Ireland because although I’ve been in and around the squad for five years, I’ve never really staked my place in the team.
“I went to the World Cup four years ago, and that remains the highlight of my career.
“But I’ve not played in enough qualifying matches and big games, and that is what I want to do this season.
“If I do well for Blackburn, and also show my form for Ireland, then it should be a good year for me.”
That year starts Wednesday for Reid with a friendly against Holland at Lansdowne Road as final preparations for the opening European Championship qualifying match with Germany on September 2.
After the disappointment of missing out on the recent World Cup finals, Reid knows Ireland can ill afford to sit out another major event.
“The lads have put their feelings to bed regarding not qualifying for the World Cup,” added Reid.
“I don’t think many of us showed an interest in it over the summer.
“I watched the odd game while I was on holiday, but it was strange seeing the games on the telly and not being involved, particularly after going to Japan.
“That’s why it’s important we are at the next tournament, the Euros.
“We don’t want to be sitting on a beach, we want to be out there playing, and hopefully in a couple of years’ time, after a good campaign, that’s where we will be.”
