Blackburn Rovers have reported that Republic of Ireland international midfielders, Steven Reid, should be fully recovered from injury in time for the kick-off of the new season.

This is encouraging news for Ireland who will play a series of critical matches in the World Cup qualifying series in the Autumn.

First up for Ireland is a match away against Cyprus on September 5. They will bring their qualifying series to a close with home matches at Croke Park against Italy on Saturday October 10 and against Montenegro on the following Wednesday, Octobder 14.

In between times Ireland will play two friendly matches at Thomond Park in Limerick. They will play Australia on Wednesday, August 12, and will play South Africa on Tuesday, September 8.

Reid was in the Irish team when they kicked off their World Cup qualifying campaign against Georgia almost twelve months ago. But a knee injury ruined his season and he played only four matches for his club.

Reid has been involved with Ireland since 2002 when he was a late call-up to travel to South Korea and Japan for the World Cup. But his international and club appearances since have been restricted by an unfortunate run of injuries.

Blackburn expect that Reid will be available for selection for the start of their season on August 15. And a successful return at club level should mean that Reid will be available for selection for Ireland for the match against Cyprus.