Sunderland midfielder Andy Reid insists he's not obsessing over a return to the Republic of Ireland squad.

The Daily Mail says the root of the problem is a late-night bust-up in the team hotel following Trapattoni's debut World Cup match in Germany in September 2008, for which Reid had been overlooked.

There was a frank exchange of views on the merits of Reid's guitar-playing, one of his true passions, and on his general demeanour.

"The Ireland manager knows when I play well and don't play well," Reid told the Daily Mail. "No one will change his mind on what he wants to do but, if he picks me, great. I want to play for Ireland. If not, fine, I get on with playing for Sunderland. It's simple but that's it."