Steven Reid: England v Ireland has extra 'spark'

The nations meet for the first time since crowd trouble at Lansdowne Road forced the abandonment of a game 18 years ago.

And Reid believes tonight's match will have an extra edge – because of on-field issues rather than off-the-pitch tensions.

The former Ireland international said: "It's a fixture that taps into our underdog spirit. The English lads are higher profile and there'll be that desire to try and take them down a notch.

"So, there will be a real spice, a spark that you don't usually get from matches at this time of year. Still, while it's a massive game for Ireland, I don't expect England to be shy either.

"From working under Roy Hodgson, I know that the biggest attributes he looks for in a player are reliability and consistency.

"If someone lets him down tonight, in a feverish atmosphere, then it will plant doubts in his head about whether he can trust them for the long run and a road which they expect will end in Brazil for next year's World Cup.

"hould they take the foot off the pedal, they will be punished, and I would be surprised if they allowed that to happen."

And Reid, who is now retired from international football, admitted he still gets jealous when Ireland take part in a big game.

The 32-year-old said: "The boys who are involved tonight are lucky guys."