Scholes & Gerrard Big Loss - Reid

Last updated : 06 September 2003 By Kevin Markey

Scholes and Gerrard both miss this evening’s crucial Group Seven qualifier in Macedonia.

Reid declared: “Being without Paul and Steve will be a major problem for us.

“They are two of our country’s most influential performers. Scholes is a little diamond, while Gerrard’s record with England shows how important he is to the shape and balance of the side.

“Both are genuine world-class footballers and having them out of your engine-room is bound to be a big miss for Sven.”

Reid, who won 13 caps for his country, suggests a massive opportunity has now opened up for Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard.

He added: “I’m a big fan of Frank, his form has soared and I believe he is ready to grab his England opportunity with both hands.

“Because of Sven’s injury problems, if I were him I think I’d go with a 4-5-1 formation against Macedonia.

“I would leave Michael Owen up front on his own, though I’d know he would get fantastic support from Lampard whenever we were going forward.”