Carlisle Keen On Reid

Last updated : 29 May 2008 By Rob Miles (barnsley Boy)

Former Barnsley captain Paul Reid could be set for a permanent return to League One Play-Off Semi-Finalists Carlisle United this summer.

Reid, who led The Reds to promotion via the League One Play-Offs in 2006, joined the club where he began his career on loan in April but an ankle injury reduced him to just one start (a 2-1 home defeat to Southend) and he missed the Play-Off defeat to Leeds.

Boss John Ward though insists he would like to bring Reid home for good.

He told the Cumberland News:

"Paul is a player we are following but while he is contracted to Barnsley they hold the important cards.

"If he was to be released to their mutual agreement, we will look at it.

"When he came, we thought he had recovered from injury. He was embarrassed as well as disappointed because he wanted to show me what he could do.

"But what I found out is that he cares very much about the city and about the football club.

"It was unfortunate fate dealt him a tough blow but I liked him and he liked what he saw here. It's up to Barnsley really what happens now."

It is thought Simon Davey will not put up a fight to keep Reid as he, along with Andy Johnson and Kim Christensen have being granted free transfers.

Meanwhile striker Kayode Odejayi is celebrating after winning his first cap for Nigeria.

Odejayi came on in the 84th minute of the Super Eagles 1-1 draw with Austria on Tuesday night, replacing Portsmouth's fellow FA Cup hero Kanu.

Odejayi told www.barnsleyfc.co.uk:

"It was just amazing really and I was very, very pleased and extremely proud to get on the pitch even if it was only for five minutes. It was great boost to just be called up to the Nigerian squad so to get into the action and represent my country is a dream come true.

"To be honest I did not know whether the call would come as the clock was ticking down and there are a lot of very good players in this squad with big reputations. I am just really pleased to have been given my opportunity and I want to make the most of it.

"The coach just told me to go out there and enjoy the moment. It has been a long season for most of the squad but we did pretty well and managed to get a draw against a very good side.

"International football is such a big step and every player is a top athlete. They are all technically very good and the standard is so high. Hopefully I can take a lot from this summer and add something to my game.

"We have another game coming up now on Sunday and hopefully I can get another chance in that one".


Paul Reid: A return home