Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has offered to intervene in midfielder Andy Reid’s stand-off with Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni. The 27-year-old has yet to feature in a competitive game for the Italian, in the wake of a falling out with the manager after the 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Georgia in Germany last September.

However, the clamour for the two men to resolve their differences has grown since Reid returned to Wearside for pre-season training - having shed more than a stone in weight - and since proved himself a key member of Bruce’s side.

The Sunderland manager told The Journal: "I have had a conversation with Andy and that has to remain confidential.

“I hope after the World Cup campaign there can be some sort of compromise.

“It is a shame because his bit of quality against France [in last week’s World Cup play-off second leg] might have made the difference.

“It is a shame that he is not representing his country. I know in his condition he is arguably playing at the height of his profession. He has arguably been our best player this season.

“If Andy wanted me to, then I would have the conversation, of course I would.

“But I will keep what we have talked about to myself.”

Bruce recently suggested Reid should apologise to Trapattoni, to which the Dubliner replied by saying he had nothing to say sorry for.

Trapattoni has always insisted there is nothing personal between the two and that he simply did not fit into the system.

Some believe, however, Reid’s self-imposed absence from the Italian’s first training camp in Portugal in May 2008 got him off to a bad start with the Italian, and the relationship was soured further after he and his guitar were ushered to bed prior to the 0-0 draw away to Montenegro.