Reid was expected to be named alongside fellow All Whites Ryan Nelsen and Shane Smeltz in New Zealand’s 18-man squad for London 2012 tomorrow but coach Neil Emblen must now look elsewhere to fill the remaining over-age player spot.
The 23-year-old was a regular starter for West Ham in their successful promotion from the second-tier Championship last season and will make his return to the top flight next term after playing a handful of games at that level in the 2010-11 campaign.
While the loss of Reid is a major blow, the Oly Whites’ chances have however been boosted by the availability of the talismanic Nelsen, who has just completed a move to Queens Park Rangers.
Manager Mark Hughes has no issue with releasing his new signing for the Games and says Nelsen cannot wait to join his young team mates.
“He is fit, raring to go, and looking forward to representing his country at the Olympics,” Hughes says.
Nelsen also took part in the Oly Whites’ debut Olympic appearance four years ago in Beijing and was joined as an over-age player on that historic occasion by Simon Elliott and Chris Killen.
New Zealand will meet Belarus (July 26), Egypt (July 29) and Brazil (August 1) at the Olympic Games.

Share