Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has promised Andy Reid there is a place for him in his plans.

The talented Sunderland midfielder was conspicuous by his absence from the team which drew 1-1 in Norway last night in the Republic's final warm-up game ahead of their opening World Cup qualifiers next month.

However, Trapattoni, who fielded a midfield comprising Damien Duff, Glenn Whelan, Steven Reid and Aiden McGeady at the Ullevaal Stadium insisted there is time for Reid and other members of his squad to state their cases.

Speaking in Dublin after the Irish party's return home this morning, the Italian said: "Andy is a good player, but we need to be careful with the balance.

"But we know what he can do and we do have many options with other players who can come in."

Some commentators had thought Reid might play in a supporting role to lone striker Robbie Keane in Norway, but Trapattoni once again paired his skipper with Reading frontman Kevin Doyle.

Reid has been impressive since completing his January move to Sunderland, but was unable to demonstrate his form in front of Trapattoni during the get-together at the end of last season because of injury.

In his absence, Stoke's Whelan has taken his chance, and Reid made a confident return to the international stage last night.

Trapattoni professed himself happy with aspects of the performance, particularly in the first half, and the result in Norway as he gears up for two tricky games away to Georgia and Montenegro.

He said: "We have a strong team and as a group we are strong too, and we have players who can come in and do a job for us.

"It's important that we have the right balance within the team and last night, we had indications that we were getting it right.

"In midfield, (Steven) Reid gives us experience and personality and I think his partnership with Whelan can work well."

Meanwhile Republic of Ireland assistant manager Liam Brady remains in a "stable and comfortable condition" after he was admitted to Beaumont Hospital early this morning after returning from Olso.

"Liam Brady remains in a stable and comfortable condition in the coronary care unit of Beaumont hospital," today's statement from the FAI read.

"He was admitted there following an episode of back and chest pain this morning. His condition is stable and his medical investigations are ongoing. Liam will remain under observation overnight in Beaumont hospital. We all wish Liam a full and speedy recovery."

Brady, 52, had been examined by the Republic team doctor and was later admitted to Beaumont as a precautionary measure.