Hughes' Anger At Reid's Call-up

Blackburn Rovers manager Mark Hughes has made no secret at his disapproval of Don Givens' International recall of midfielder Steven Reid.

After 14-months out with back and knee injuries Reid is gradually working his way back to full fitness, but has not played a competitive match in this time, only a few reserve fixtures recently (coming through the full 90 minutes of his most recent outing) so his recall to the Republic of Ireland squad (by caretaker manager Givens) was at best surprising.

Hughes is not pleased at all with his International recall, as he could be nowhere near ready for this so he is to meeting with the Football Association of Ireland to discuss the matter, although he is wanting to have him withdrawn from the squad, which could leave to a club v country row?

Hughes told the Lancashire Telegraph. "There's no way Steven can play because he's just not ready yet.

"The guy has been out for 14 months with two different injuries and he has yet to play a first team game for us, so there's no way he can play for his country."

Reidy himself expressed his surprise at the recall, and seems to doubt his condition to be able to play in such a match.

Reidy said: "I was a bit surprised, to be honest. I've not heard from Don at all so it was a big surprise, but a nice surprise.

"Whether I'm up to European qualifying shape at the minute, I don't know.

"But I was delighted to be in it all the same, and it's things like that that make you start to feel you are getting back."

As far as Reidy's Rovers return goes Sparky is refusing to set any targets for a return date, he is just pleased to have him on the right track to be able to return soon, but insists he will not be rushed.

Hughes added: "I don't want to set Steven specific targets because if he doesn't hit them, it seems like a setback.

"He's making good progress and you can see that he's getting stronger with every game he plays, but he probably needs another couple of matches yet before we can start thinking about throwing him back in.

"You can't rush people back when they've been out for as long as Steven has."


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