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Page last updated at 13:02 GMT, Tuesday, 6 October 2009 14:02 UK

Rowlands called up by Trapattoni

Martin Rowlands
Martin Rowlands has three Republic of Ireland caps

Andy Reid remains out of favour for the Republic of Ireland after QPR's Martin Rowlands was drafted into the squad for the World Cup qualifier against Italy.

Rowlands has been called up as cover by Giovanni Trapattoni because of doubts over Steven Reid's fitness.

The Blackburn man sat out Sunday's 6-2 mauling by Arsenal because of an Achilles injury.

Sunderland midfielder Reid again impressed for his club in Saturday's 2-2 draw against Manchester United.

However, the Dubliner has been out of favour for the Republic since being left out of the squad for the friendly against Poland last November.

Reports later surfaced of a late-night row between Trapattoni and the former Nottingham Forest player after the World Cup qualifier win over Georgia 13 months ago.

606: DEBATE
Submarine

Reid has yet to have a single minute on the pitch in an international since the Italian's arrival in Ireland 17 months ago.

The former Tottenham and Charlton midfielder has not played for his country since the 2-2 European Championship qualifying draw with Wales in November 2007.

Steven Reid has been struggling with an Achilles injury of late.

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce is unlikely to be keen on a player who is only back from a year out injured being risked on international duty.

However, Rowlands is unlikely to add to his three caps against either the world champions on Saturday or Montenegro the following Wednesday.

The Republic squad will have their first training session ahead of Saturday's game at Croke Park on Tuesday in Malahide.



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see also
Trapattoni extends Republic stay
25 Sep 09 |  Internationals
Trapattoni focusing on Italy game
06 Sep 09 |  Internationals
Trapattoni hails 'important' win
05 Sep 09 |  Internationals
Cyprus 1-2 Republic of Ireland
05 Sep 09 |  Internationals
Pick your Rep of Ireland XI
05 Feb 07 |  Internationals


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