GIOVANNI TRAPATONNI shuffled in discomfort after being pressed and pressed on whether or not Andy Reid will be back in Republic of Ireland colours during his reign.

The Italian boss, however, offered no guarantees. In fact, as he tried to fend off the questions from the Irish media after the weekend draw with Italy, he gave the impression that Reid will never play for him again. The Sunderland midfielder might, of course, but at this stage it would seem unlikely.

Having spent numerous occasions in Reid's company since his move from Charlton 20 months ago, it is difficult to imagine that such a likeable man can infuriate his boss so much.

The 27-year-old has a personality you immediately warm to and the pride he still holds for representing his country is clear to see.

He has never refused point blank to do an interview - except when he joked "what do you want to speak to me for, I'm not even in the Sunderland team." - and it is easy to see why the majority of the Irish public love him.

It was perhaps not the most sensible of moves by the midfielder to play his guitar in Ireland's team hotel an hour after the 1am curfew issued to them in September last year.

And while this version is disputed by others who were there, Trapatonni apparently attacked Reid with a rolled up copy of Gazzetta Dello Sport in the hotel bar as he played guitar for ten of his team-mates.

This was on international duty in Wiesbaden after a World Cup qualifier win over Georgia, albeit three days before the next game, so it was probably not the wisest of moves.

But Reid remains one of the Republic's best players. He is fitter than he has ever been during Trapatonni's tenure and he is in terrific form for Sunderland.

Ordinarily his performances at Premier League level would justify an inclusion in the Irish starting line-up, never mind a place in the squad.

If Ireland fail to qualify for next summer's World Cup, Reid's exclusion will be further questioned by the Irish support.

On the other hand, if they do manage to reach South Africa via the play-offs, Reid is unlikely to be there anyway.

That would be just as big a loss to Trapatonni's Ireland squad than it would be on a personal level to Reid.