New Zealand coach Danny Hay has admitted that he would like West Ham United defender Winston Reid involved in the next international break.
The All Whites’ coach revealed that he was in touch with the 31-year-old after the under-23’s clash with Stoke City on Monday, and Reid shared that he was 100 per cent convinced he would be ready for the break after suffering from a knee injury almost two years ago.
Hay shared that we would be happy handing a call up to Reid whether he is ready to be involved or not in November, claiming his leadership ability is vital to his side.
“Even if there were, I’d really work hard with him to get him across from London, because I think he’s going to be an important part of our team moving forward,” he told New Zealand news outlet Stuff.
“I text him and asked him how he was going and he’s 100 per cent convinced that he’s on track and he’s going to be available.”
OPINION
With the number of setbacks suffered by Reid in his attempt to return to full fitness, there is no possible way that he can be fully convinced on a potential return date. It was first reported by Claret and Hugh that the 31-year-old would take to the field for the under-23s against Cheltenham at the beginning of October, something which didn’t happen. It was then suggested by the Evening Standard that the Hammers were set for a boost with the return of Reid on Monday in the academy game against Stoke, and once again he was nowhere to be seen. Reid may have a spot waiting for him in the New Zealand squad, but after so long on the sidelines, it is hard to see where he fits in at West Ham, with Issa Diop and Angelo Ogbonna shining the heart of defence this season, and Fabian Balbuena also ready and waiting to go off the bench.
