The 27-year-old will be sitting at home on Wearside when the Republic of Ireland go into play-off battle with France over the next few days with a trip to South Africa at stake.

Reid has found himself surplus to requirements at international level in recent times after his much-publicised fall-out with manager Giovanni Trapattoni.

While the clamour for his return has abated somewhat as the Italian has guided the Irish to the brink of World Cup qualification, the Dubliner has not given up hope of representing his country once again.

However, he knows he may have to be patient as he looks on from afar.

good performances

Reid told the club's official website: "It's not on my mind. There's nothing I can do except do what I am doing and perform for Sunderland.

"My problem would be if I was chosen, and then I would have to perform on an international platform.

"At the moment, I'm not in the squad, so if I did get a call-up, that's when I will worry about it.

"Everyone wants to play in a World Cup, but it's not down to me."

Reid has been in sparkling form for his club in recent months after returning for pre-season training much leaner than when he had left, and new manager Steve Bruce has been fulsome in his praise.

The midfielder said: "All I can do is keep giving good performances for Sunderland and hopefully that will get me recognition.

"I just have to prove to Steve Bruce that I deserve to be in the Sunderland team and as long as I am in the team and do my job, then I'm happy with that."

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