Blackburn Rovers boss Sam Allardyce has slammed Giovanni Trapattoni over claims that Steven Reid would not fully recover from his knee surgery.

Allardyce claims the comments by the Republic of Ireland boss that the Blackburn midfielder will never fully recover from his serious knee injury are "disgraceful".

"I was disappointed by the comments from Giovanni Trapattoni about Steven Reid," he said. "It's disgraceful that a manager of an international side could come out with such drivel and nonsense. He should be making a public apology to Steven Reid and this football club.

"He's had some really hard times trying to overcome his injury. To wake up and see that written in the papers by the manager of his country is particularly disappointing.

"He was completely out of order with what he said. He's totally wrong in his statements and that's not the case with Steven Reid.

"It's very damaging for a young man contracted to this football club, who's trying to be his best and secure a new contract and force his way back into the Republic of Ireland side.

"I find it totally and utterly amazing to see what he said."