Andy Fantastic

Roy Keane has praised Andy Reid`s impact since signing from Charlton. The Irish midfielder has being in brilliant form since recovering from his injury.

Reid who scored the winner against West Ham last weekend has shown his quality in the centre on midfield as well as in some deadball situations.

Keane who is obviously a big fan of his fellow countryman told The Sunderland Echo "Andy Reid has been absolutely brilliant."

"He hadn't played for eight weeks when I signed him owing to an operation, so that was a risk because we were paying decent money for him. But my gut feeling was he was worth taking a chance on."

"He's a talented player. But even in the last four weeks, even on the training pitch, he's been our best player by far."

"He ups us another level. His fitness is getting better all the time, he's getting stronger with the games."

"What you find in football through the media and fans is that they focus on what Reidy hasn't got, but I focus on what he has got and that's a beautiful left foot."

"He's not 6ft4 and won't ever be 6ft4 but everyone is different, everyone comes in different shapes and sizes."

"What we needed was someone who could handle the ball in tight situations and not be afraid to take it."

"Our fans are passionate and want players to handle the ball and Reidy gives us that more than any other player at the club. I've a lot of good midfielders, but they're not as comfortable on the ball."

Vital Sunderland Says

The signing of Andy Reid has to be one of the best in recent years. Of all the players Keane has brought to the club Reid is up there with Jones and Edwards. Reid is a genius, a player who you can build a side around.