Reid in line for Republic return

NORWAY v REP OF IRELAND
Venue: Ullevaal Stadium, Oslo Date: Wednesday, 20 August Kick-off: 1800 BST Coverage: Updates on the BBC Sport website

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Reid has not played for the Republic for almost two years

Steven Reid is in line to make his first Republic of Ireland appearance for two years in Wednesday's friendly against Norway in Oslo.

Providing he shakes off a knee injury, the Blackburn man will start in midfield alongside Glenn Whelan, Damien Duff and Aiden McGeady.

Sunderland's Liam Miller will be drafted into the Republic's starting line-up if Reid is ruled out.

Steve Finnan will start after returning to international football.

John O'Shea, Richard Dunne and Kevin Kilbane will also play in defence with Shay Given in goal while Robbie Keane will be partnered in attack by Kevin Doyle.

Reid won the last of his 20 caps against Germany in September 2006 but his international career has been hit by a succession of injuries since then.

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Republic boss Giovanni Trapattoni is keen to see the Blackburn man back in the team and Reid is in line to play in central midfield alongside Whelan.

Andy Reid, who missed Trapattoni's first two games in change because of injury, has to be content with a place on the bench.

Finnan retired from international football last year but he has been convinced to return to Republic duty by Trapattoni.

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Republic of Ireland: Given, Finnan, O'Shea, Dunne, Finnan, Duff, S Reid/Millar, Whelan, McGeady, Keane, Doyle