Shay Given and Stephen Reid - Fit for September or NOT?

**back of the net** · 23/08/2007, 2:13 PM

Hey All - does anyone have an update on the GIVEN and Stephen Reid injury situations? - will they be fit and ready for slovakia and czech rep - i am hearing so many different versions of them being injured and fit - does anyone know what exactly is the situation with them?

**Stuttgart88** · 23/08/2007, 3:45 PM

Much as I like Steven Reid, it'd be a massive gamble playing him next month. There's no way he'll be match fit even if he comes back for Blackburn this weekend.

I expect Given tp be back, his injury sounds relatively slight.

**Armando** · 23/08/2007, 4:04 PM

Given has a slight groin strain but worryingly according to Sam Allardyce it hasn't shown signs of improvement the last 2 weeks

So, it's going to be touch and go. It wouldn't surprise me if his first game back is against slovakia....he's that important and will be desperate to play even if it's against his clubs wishes.

**NeilMcD** · 23/08/2007, 4:16 PM

Me too

**paul_oshea** · 23/08/2007, 4:17 PM

Andy Reid will definitely be fat for September :0)

TP, you are on good form today, whats wrong?

is the missus away

**Sligo Hornet** · 23/08/2007, 7:10 PM

Originally Posted by NeilMcD

Me too

That's three of you then, with Moscow Mule

**co. down green** · 24/08/2007, 12:03 AM

Originally Posted by Armando

Given has a slight groin strain but worryingly according to Sam Allardyce it hasn't shown signs of improvement the last 2 weeks

So, it's going to be touch and go. It wouldn't surprise me if his first game back is against slovakia....he's that important and will be desperate to play even if it's against his clubs wishes.

Irish boss Stephen Staunton told the Irish Independent, “Shay is a lot better than we were first told. I thought we were going to lose him for the two games in September but it’s looking as if he’ll be ok.

“Then again, it’s a muscle injury and we’ll take nothing for granted so we’ll just have to wait and see. Once you start picking up injuries in any area and it’s a recurrence, you’ve got that possibility it will continue to happen.”

**LeixlipRed** · 24/08/2007, 9:03 AM

Originally Posted by co. down green

“Then again, it’s a muscle injury and we’ll take nothing for granted so we’ll just have to wait and see. Once you start picking up injuries in any area and it’s a recurrence, you’ve got that possibility it will continue to happen.”

Anyone laugh out loud at this? A Recurrence continuing to happen????

**carloz** · 24/08/2007, 12:10 PM

I think Given will make it back......evenif Reid is back i wouldnt risk it. His long injury lay off started awyt Germany last year so im sure Blackburn wont want him playinh

**Pád Von Tirpitz** · 24/08/2007, 2:06 PM

Stephen Reid is brutal anyway. I don't understand his fan club. He is a big lummox with a terrible first touch. He is in no way the future of our midfield, at any rate.

**DmanDmythDledge** · 24/08/2007, 11:52 PM

Originally Posted by Pád Von Tirpitz

Stephen Reid is brutal anyway. I don't understand his fan club. He is a big lummox with a terrible first touch. He is in no way the future of our midfield, at any rate.

He was quality in the 05/06 Premiership season, so good that Alex Ferguson made an enquiry about him. The one time he has played centre mid for Ireland in the friendly against Sweden he was excellent. He'd be a perfect partner for Andy Reid.

**eirebhoy** · 25/08/2007, 10:57 AM

Spurs also wanted him last summer.

**irishfan86** · 26/08/2007, 6:06 AM

Originally Posted by Tuff Paddy

This is the same Alex Ferguson who regularly picks John O'Shea. The same Alex Ferguson who bought David Bellion. I could go on.

The same Alex Ferguson who is the most successful manager in English history?

Re: Bellion: every manager has made a bad signing.

As for O'Shea, Ferguson hasn't made O'Shea a key member of his squad, rather he has recognized him as a very versatile player (which he is), and has used him accordingly.

When Man U has a fully fit squad O'Shea is a bench player every time.

I don't even like Man U, but to claim that Ferguson is a poor judge of talent just smacks of idiocy.

**carloz** · 26/08/2007, 8:53 AM

Regarding Bellion, Ferguson had just signed a scout from Sunderland and upon arriving at Old Trafford he convinced Ferguson to buy Bellion. He was free so hardly a disaster

**beautifulrock** · 26/08/2007, 11:44 AM

Originally Posted by carloz

Regarding Bellion, Ferguson had just signed a scout from Sunderland and upon arriving at Old Trafford he convinced Ferguson to buy Bellion. He was free so hardly a disaster

he was a disaster and was not free, £2m agreed by tribunal.

**zenokelly** · 26/08/2007, 2:48 PM

Given was on the bench today for Newcastle. Hopefully, he's fit enough to start for them next week so he gets a bit of match practice in. fingers crossed he gets no further set-backs!