Steven Reid retires from international football

Republic of Ireland midfielder Steven Reid has retired from international football in order to prolong his club career.

Last season Reid enjoyed a three-month loan spell with West Bromwich Albion. He made ten appearances at the Hawthorns, scoring only one goal but proving influential in helping the Baggies secure an immediate return to the Premier League.

And Reid has now underlined his commitment to West Brom by turning his back on international football.

“It was a tough decision because I’ve had some terrific times with Ireland,” said Reid.

“But having weighed everything up, I know this is the right decision.”

Reid’s seven-year spell with Blackburn Rovers was plagued by back and knee problems.

“The injuries I’ve had over the past couple of years have been well documented and I’ve taken this step to prolong my club career,” he added.

Mick McCarthy first selected Reid to represent the Republic of Ireland in 2001 after a number of eye-catching performances during his time at Millwall and with the U-23 international side.

The 29-year-old won the first of his 23 caps in a 2-2 friendly against Croatia at Lansdowne Road.

Reid was also part of the 23-man Ireland squad which travelled to the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

On 26 August 2006, he was bestowed the honor of captaining his country against the Netherlands.

Unfortunately reoccurring injuries denied McCarthy and successors Brian Kerr and Steve Staunton the chance to utilise Reid’s talent for the benefit of the national side.