Steven Reid virtually dropped in for Wednesday's Football Show on Off the Ball.

The former Republic of Ireland midfielder is currently enjoying his role as part of Scotland coaching ticket. Although the coronavirus shutdown has affected the teams' planning for the now deferred European Championships play-off semi-final with Israel.

Reid admitted he had lost some love for the game having had a long but injury-ravaged career that then went straight into coaching.

There was a relentlessness to that period of his life that he does not miss. Reid admits enjoying the balance of his current situation, the bouts of intensity that come with an international window and then long gaps in between to enjoy time with his family.

Simple Pleasures

Simple pleasures he was unable to enjoy during his playing career, a break from the game allowed him to enjoy. Reid admits his biggest strength is also his biggest weakness and inability to switch off from the game when he is in it.

"It helped me get back from injury, I wouldn't be beaten," says Reid.

"I took that with me into my coaching role, if anything you take it even more personally when you are a coach. Could I have done a bit more in training?

"Could you have given a bit more information to a player? Could you have done a bit more work?"

It's easy to see how such intensity over the course of a career, particularly one with so many injuries as Reid could take its toll.

Time heals all wounds and time away from the game completely relit Reid's fire. Once September came and his children were back in school and his mates were not around, Reid felt the pull of football again.

Reid is enjoying the "part-time" nature of his current role alongside Steve Clarke at Scotland. The Former Ireland midfielder says he is now refreshed and if an offer of management came in he is ready now to take it.

"It would have to be the right opportunity, says Reid, "I'm still learning."

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