Reid pulls out of Republic squad

Reid is nearing full fitness after a long spell out because of injury

Blackburn have withdrawn midfielder Steven Reid from the Republic of Ireland squad for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Wales on 17 November.

Reid is nearing full fitness after 14 months of injury problems but Rovers boss Mark Hughes does not feel the player is ready for top-level action.

"Unfortunately it has come too soon for him, he is not ready," said the Blackburn manager.

"We spoke to the Irish FA (FAI) and they understand the situation."

Hughes added that Reid would "benefit more from a reserve game next week and hopefully a couple more in the international break".

Reid will not be considered as Rovers put their unbeaten away record in the Barclays Premier League to the test at Manchester United on Sunday.

Reid and Bolton defender Andy O'Brien were both recalled to the Republic squad for this first time in over a year by caretaker boss Don Givens earlier this week.

There was also a call-up for Scunthorpe United goalkeeper Joe Murphy.

Stephen Ireland, who withdrew from the Republic's last three games, was not included for the match at the Millennium Stadium on 17 November.

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Republic of Ireland panel: Given (Newcastle), J Murphy (Scunthorpe), C Doyle (Birmingham); Finnan (Liverpool), Kelly (Birmingham), Dunne (Man City), McShane (Sunderland), A O'Brien (Bolton), J O'Brien (Bolton), O'Shea (Man Utd); McGeady (Celtic), Carsley (Everton), Douglas (Leeds), A Reid (Charlton), Miller (Sunderland), Hunt (Reading), Kilbane (Wigan); Keane (Tottenham), D Murphy (Sunderland), Stokes (Sunderland), K Doyle (Reading).