Reid: Black Cats boss has earned players’ respect

Feb 14 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

Reid admits the departure of his ex-Republic of Ireland team-mate Keane was a shock, but one the players quickly came to terms with.

“It was a major deal when someone like Roy Keane left, it would have been anywhere,” he admitted. “You just have to be professional and move on quickly. You can’t afford to think about it for too long.

“We have just been thinking about the games and the next game. I’m sure if Roy takes over a new job he will learn from what he experienced here. He has to move on and we have to move on.

“If you don’t look to your new challenges you are not going to be a very good professional.”

Reid faces a double challenge this season. As well as trying to cement his place in Sunderland’s first team, he must convince Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni that despite not being the 6ft-plus athlete he prefers in midfield, he can play at international level.

“I watched the match on Wed-nesday and it was hard,” he admitted. “I would love to be involved. I’m always available to play for Ireland. If they pick me I will always do every-thing I can for the green shirt because I always give my all for Ireland.

“All I have to do is keep going. I have set up a few goals recently and hopefully I will get the call.”

Meanwhile, two games into his loan, Coventry City are already trying to extend Jordan Henderson’s stay.

The 18 year-old joined the Sky Blues for a month and has impressed in his two games, setting up the winner against league leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.

“Jordan is only a kid and has done tremendously well,” said manager Chris Coleman.

“He made his debut at Derby, which was difficult because he came into a team that hadn’t been playing well for two or three games. But he showed against Wolves he is a potent threat going forward, and defensively he gets back to help behind the ball.

“He came initially for a month but obviously we are going to try to extend that.”