Source: SKY_Sports
Reid targets new deal
Blackburn midfielder Steven Reid admits the 2009/10 campaign could be a pivotal season in his career.
The 28-year-old has been plagued by injury problems in recent years, severely restricting his progress at Ewood Park.
The Republic of Ireland international missed almost the whole of last season with cruciate knee ligament damage, while he lasted only 45 minutes on his return to action in a Carling Cup tie at Gillingham this term.
He is, however, closing in on full fitness once again and is out to prove his worth to Rovers boss Sam Allardyce.
With his current contract set to expire next summer, Reid is determined to earn an extension by impressing on the pitch.
"It's definitely one of the biggest seasons of my career," he told the Lancashire Telegraph.
"There are a few things to aim for. I've got the Premier League with Blackburn, hopefully the World Cup next summer and if all goes well hopefully I will extend my stay here.
"I've just got this year left at Blackburn, so I've got a lot to prove.
"The way the club have been with me, they've stuck by me and the fans have been brilliant, so hopefully I can repay them this season. It would be nice at the end of it to extend my stay further than the 12 months I've got left.
"I haven't had any talks about my contract so it's just a matter of getting back to fitness, back into the team and proving myself to the new manager, who's not seen me play for Blackburn as yet.
"I need to get back to my best and hopefully that will be enough to earn a new deal."
Reid is also hoping to force his way back into the Ireland fold and play his part in helping Giovanni Trapattoni's men book their ticket to South Africa next summer.
"First and foremost I'm aiming to get back into the Blackburn team and if I do that hopefully I can get back into the Ireland squad," he added.
"We've got the games against Italy and Montenegro next month and it's looking like hopefully we're going to finish second in the group. You never know, though, Italy might slip up.
"Hopefully I will get the call to come into the squad for the Italy game, but I need to get a couple of games for Blackburn first."
