This isn’t best squad we’ve ever had

FORMER Republic of Ireland midfielder Andy Reid has backed Martin O’neill to remain in situ – but wants the manager to release the shackles.

Several ex-internationals, including Keith Andrews, have called on the FAI to axe O’neill and his sidekick Roy Keane after a disastrous year with just one win in nine matches.

Two defeats against Wales and a scoreless draw with Denmark over the past six weeks in the UEFA Nations League have increased the pressure on the Derryman.

Reid, however, has blamed the lack of quality players at the manager’s disposal, including the loss of dual-eligible Premier League star Declan Rice.

Dubliner Reid won the last of his 29 senior caps in O’neill’s first game against Latvia five years ago and doesn’t see a strong enough alternative gaffer out there to trigger a change of guard.

“I believe the manager should remain for the time being,” said the former Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland midfielder.

“I don’t know who else you’re going to bring in, so I think Martin is the man for the moment. He’s an experienced manager.

“We’ve got to realise where we’re at. This is not the strongest squad we’ve ever had.

“I’d like to see Ireland on the front foot a little bit more; winning more tackles and headers but, quality-wise, it’s a difficult time. We don’t have loads of creative players.”

Since retiring two years ago, the 36-year-old has worked in coaching roles at Nottingham Forest and Notts County.

His latest assignment is closer to home, as assistant manager of Ireland’s Under-18s, and he remains confident about the future.

Still, he’s pleading with the expectant Irish fans to be patient.

“Unfortunately, this is not a quick-fix,” he added.

“Everybody wants a stream of Robbie Keanes and Damien Duffs coming through but football doesn’t work like that.

“But I think the right things are being done behind the scenes. I’ve seen some good players in the underage ranks, including Troy Parrott, Glen Mcauley and Jason Knight.

“It will take time for these players to progress towards the senior team but I’m more optimistic over the past year since starting work with the Irish teams.

“People are going to have to be patient. It’s a difficult time for the senior team but I’d say to the supporters this is not like a club situation where you can get away from it.

“This is our country. Although it’s not the best that it’s ever been, you would hope that the fans will stick by the team.

“It’s alright throwing things out there but no one is saying what we can do to make it better.”

ANDY REID helped launch the third year of the Fai/fingal TY Course in Corduff Sports Centre yesterday. 54 53 15 19 69 36% 19 Nov 11: Denmark 0 Rep of Ire 0 Nov 14: Rep of Ire 1 Denmark 5 Mar 23: Turkey 1 Rep of Ire 0 May 28: France 2 Rep of Ire 0 Jun 2: Rep of Ire 2 USA 1

Sep 6: Wales 4 Rep of Ire 1

Sep 11: Poland 1 Rep of Ire 1

Oct 13: Rep of Ire 0 Denmark 0 Oct 16: Rep or Ire 0 Wales 1

P9 W1 D3 L5 F5 A15 Win%: 11