Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni received the news he had been dreading this morning with confirmation that Steven Reid requires surgery on his troublesome knee injury. The operation will keep Reid on the sidelines for six to seven months.
The Blackburn midfielder has been plagued with injury throughout his career, missing the entire 2006-7 campaigns with knee and back problems.
The 27-year-old had only recently returned to the international set-up following a lengthy absence and had swiftly established himself as a key man in Trapattoni's plans. He missed Wednesday's win over Cyprus as he remained in Blackburn for treatment.
His club manager, Paul Ince, confirmed this morning that Reid would need an operation and is highly unlikely to play again this season.
The injury will see him miss Ireland's key fixtures against Bulgaria (home) and Italy away which take place next March and April. Indeed, as it stands Reid must also be considered doubtful for the away trip to Bulgaria in June
Trapattoni turned to Manchester United's Darron Gibson in Reid's absence at Croke Park but the youngster's first senior start for Ireland proved to be a steep learning curve.
The Italian will use next month's to look at Blackburn's Keith Andrew's as he seeks a long-term replacement for Reid.
Anthony Stokes, meanwhile, has joined English Championship side Sheffield United on a three-month loan.
Stokes has struggled to break into the Sunderland first team this season after manager Roy Keane brought in forwards Djibril Cisse, El Hadji Diouf and David Healy over the summer.
Sunderland's €8 million striker Kenwyne Jones is also close to a return to action after over four months out through injury.
Stokes has made only three substitute appearances for the Black Cats this term but scored twice in the club's League Cup win over Northampton last month.
Stokes goes straight into United's squad to face Sheffield Wednesday in the derby on Sunday. The 20-year-old will join up with fellow Black Cat Greg Halford, who is also on loan at the Blades.
