Reid is keen to return to the international fold after a long absence

Sunderland midfielder Andy Reid remains hopeful over his Republic of Ireland future thanks to his excellent recent form for the Wearsiders.

Reid, 27, was left out of the last Ireland squad by boss Giovanni Trappatoni, having previously fallen out with the Italian over his fitness.

"I don't pick the squads. It's up to the Ireland manager if he wants to pick me," Reid told BBC Newcastle.

"I feel I'm getting to the stage where I'm producing what he is looking for."

Reid's last Ireland cap came against Wales in November 2007 and he has not been involved with his national team since the Republic's 2-1 win against Georgia in the German city of Mainz in September 2008.

Having impressed manager Steve Bruce in the 4-1 Carling Cup defeat of Norwich in August, Reid has since been a first-team regular with three goals for Sunderland in nine appearances.

And the winger admitted his current form is down to a sense of enjoyment in his football at the current time.

"I'm playing with a smile on my face," he said.

"I feel in great form at the moment, I'm playing well but most importantly I'm enjoying my football.

"All I can do is turn in performances like I did on Saturday and since I've been in the team."

Reid joined Sunderland from Charlton in January 2008, and has since made 60 appearances, scoring five goals.

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