Trap needs to 'eat his words' on Reid issue says Big Sam

SAM Allardyce has reopened his war of words with Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni and said that the Italian should "eat his words" and recall Steven Reid to the Ireland squad, writes AIDAN FITZMAURICE.

Allardyce and Trapattoni had a very public spat last year when the Blackburn boss was angered by comments from Trapattoni about the fitness of the then Rovers player.

"That was an unfortunate situation as far as I'm concerned because he was almost writing a player off," says Allardyce.

"And he has no medical expertise to write a player off.

"My gripe with Mr Trapattoni was not from my point of view, it was from the point of view of Steven Reid.

Rushed

"Steven Reid couldn't say it because he wants to play for Ireland.

"Steven Reid is playing for West Brom now, still playing Premier League football.

"I hope Steven Reid continues to do that and I hope Mr Trapattoni is big enough to eat his words and include him back in the squad," added Allardyce, who admitted that he also had a difference of opinion with Trapattoni over Keith Andrews.

Trapattoni appeared to suggest that Blackburn rushed the midfielder -- who is currently out injured -- back too soon but that too has angered Allardyce.

"We like each other, don't we?" Allardyce joked when asked about the Ireland manager.

"Is he a medical expert? Keith went through a fitness test and passed it no problem.

"Keith was asked did he feel 100 per cent. He said 'yes'. He'll be fit for the Christmas period."