Reid unfazed by Republic exile

Winger vows to continue club form and await a recall

By Jamie Casey   Last updated: 13th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Reid unfazed by Republic exile

Reid: In international wilderness

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Sunderland winger Andy Reid insists he will not allow his international exile to disrupt his club form.

The midfielder has been constantly overlooked by Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni during their World Cup qualifying campaign in which they finished Group 8 runners-up.

The Irish now head into a two-legged make or break showdown with 2006 finalists France, starting at Croke Park on Saturday.

Despite his fine club form, Reid will once again not be involved but he claims his persistent exclusion is not affecting his focus.

"It's not on my mind," Reid insisted. "There's nothing I can do except do what I am doing and perform for Sunderland.

"My problem would be if I was chosen, and then I would have to perform on an international platform.

"At the moment, I'm not in the squad, so if I did get a call-up, that's when I will worry about it. Everyone wants to play in a World Cup, but it's not down to me."

Black Cats boss Steve Bruce has been full of praise for Reid's performances this term and rather than worry about his international predicament, he will continue to work hard for his appreciative club boss.

"All I can do is keep giving good performances for Sunderland and hopefully that will get me recognition," added Reid.

"I just have to prove to Steve Bruce that I deserve to be in the Sunderland team and as long as I am in the team and do my job, then I'm happy with that."