Ince Critical Of Irish Management Of Reid

Blackburn Rovers manager Paul Ince has hit out at the Republic of Ireland set-up following Steven Reid's season ending knee injury.

Ince has been critical of the Irish for allowing Reid to play two International matches in the space of four days of each others, as he feels that it would have put undue stress on his knee causing it to swell up, therefore meaning surgery was again required that will see him miss the remainder of the season.

Ince is quoted by Setanta Sports: "Like always when players go on international duty, you have to face the circumstances, whether they are good or bad when they come back.

"Everybody wants to play for their country and Reidy has been doing exceptionally well for Ireland.

"I just think you have to be careful with Reidy because he is not one who can play two games in such a close time.

"He came back and he's had problems with his knees and now he's out for the season."

Obviously Reidy for Rovers is Ince's priority but I'm not sure that I can agree with him on this issue. If Reidy was understood to be fit enough to be selected for Ireland then it must have been with the thought that he would play both World Cup Qualifiers, which after his Man of the Match showing in the first he was bound to start the second. If there were concerns over his knee (more so than usual!) then he shouldn't have been allowed to play, and if he played against Rovers wishes then we shouldn't pay him during his absence (not that I'm suggesting this is what has happened here.)

Reidy was selected to play, maybe two matches in such close proximity didn't help but does this not give the impression that his days as a professional footballer could be numbered, as this is something that he WILL have to do in the future, unless he becomes a bit part player?!?!


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