Irish Maestro To Be?

By Alex Campbell
July 22 2003

We've got a real treat for you here: In the first of IE2004's series of profiles for young Irish stars, Alex Campbell gives us an insight into the impact he expects Andy Reid of Nottingham Forest to make on the Ireland team.

The Facts:

The background:

This soon-to-be 21 year old is one of many young Irishmen to have progressed through the ranks of Nottingham Forest’s highly regarded youth academy. ‘Reidy’ (or ‘Reider’) as he is affectionately referred; burst onto the first team scene in 2000, having impressed greatly with his creativity and inner-flair as a striker at youth level. His debut came against Sheffield Utd in November 2000, and Reid made no mistake in announcing his arrival with a debut goal.

Sadly, there followed a baron spell of minimal activity for the Dubliner; who found himself temporarily surplus to requirements and nothing more than a reserve. Despite his ability to comfortably operate in both midfield and attack, Reid was presented with few first team opportunities as David Platt’s stay at the East Midlands club welcomingly expired.

The now ostracized Platt fled the ship that he had himself let sink, and academy manager Paul Hart took charge for the 2001/02 season. Hart had been the main inspiration behind Andy Reid’s signing from Cherry Orchard FC as a youth, and at the same time as being a phenomenal boost for the future of NFFC, Hart’s appointment therefore promised good things for Reid.

Towards the close of the 01/02 season Reider was offered a series of first-team opportunities, but the lack of first-team activity had left Reid struggling with fitness problems. Hart showed his perpetual faith in Reid though, keeping him on at the club for the 02/03 season – whilst axing fellow Dubliner Keith Foy, who had suffered with similar fitness problems of his own. And Hart’s confidence in Reid was to pay dividends, the narrow escaping of the loss of a professional contract served as a definitive wake-up call for the youngster. Who returned in fine fitness, and with a rejuvenated hunger for football.

A man of the match display against Reading in December silenced those that chose to highlight his previous lack of commitment to fitness, and not his undoubted ability. Reid missed just one further game between his explosive return to prominence and the end of the season. Gaining massively beneficial experience from featuring focally in Forest’s unfortunate failed play-off campaign.

The one that they once thought had wasted the chance of a successful career through lacklustre dedication, is now a firm fans favourite at the City Ground and a definite asset to the club.

The Player:

Reid’s versatility enables him to comfortably operate on not only his now predominant position of left midfield, but also in a Paul Scholes-style ‘behind the front two’ situation and as an out-and-out striker. Having battled commendably to overcome fitness issues, Reid is now a player that offers moderate pace and flair in profusion. His trickery, skill and relentless endeavour mean that Reid will always be a player that can change a game in a split-second. With miraculous crossing abilities also serving as a notable attribute of this youngster’s game.

The aforementioned crossing talents serve as the main reason why most believe that moving Reid, from his now settled position on the left wing, would be a mistake. Although Reid possesses a colossally diverse range of skills, finishing is the aspect of his game that requires the most improvement. Which is why playing him behind the front line, or within the front line is not something which is widely favoured. In saying this, Reider is indeed a very versatile player. His intelligence of those around him and abundant creativity mean that even without the finest of finishing dexterity – Reid could effectively serve as a forward.

Coming perilously close to losing a place at the club and playing a part in the emotional loss of a play-off semi-final, has already left Reider with a prematurely experienced head on his shoulders. His renewed passion for the game and desire to impress make it very unlikely that Reid will ever allow his standards to slip again. And it is this newfound sensible, professional attitude that, when added to his phenomenal ability, make Andy Reid a very exciting prospect for sure.

I personally have no doubt whatsoever that this man will become of major use to the Republic of Ireland in years to come. Although Damien Duff stands in his first-team path, Reid will surely be a regular squad player if only for his versatile status?

Whatever happens on both club and international front, I am sure we will all tremendously enjoy seeing this remarkable young prospect develop into the (with the commitment he now has) world-beating talent that he could easily be.