Reid an injury blow for Stan

Blackburn Rovers star Steven Reid has formally withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad to take on Cyprus and the Czech Republic over the next two weeks.

Reid missed his club's Uefa Cup victory over Red Ball Salzburg on Thursday night with a back injury which has seen him sidelined for the past month.

He started Steve Staunton's first competitive game in charge in Germany four weeks ago but has not appeared for his club since then.

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes said: "Steven is improving, but his recovery is not going as fast as we would like, so he certainly won't be involved against Wigan this Sunday.

"He also won't be involved with Ireland. He hasn't kicked a ball or been out with the group for about two weeks. So there's no point his going because he wouldn't be in a fit state to play.

"It is better for him, us and Ireland if he stays behind and has intensive treatment morning and afternoon, and let's see if we can get him back quickly."

Reid becomes the second midfield option to withdraw from Staunton's squad this week, following the news of Graham Kavanagh's knee cartilage operation.

First-choice goalkeeper Shay Given is also sidelined, but Staunton will have been boosted by the news that Damien Duff returned to action with Newcastle United on Thursday night.