Reid injury forces withdrawal

Winston Reid  has withdrawn this week’s Asian tour with New Zealand due to injury.

The Hammers defender had to pull out on joining his All Whites team mates for matches against China and Thailand as he claims he is struggling with a leg injury that has plagued him for the last two weekend’s .

While he played in the 0-0 draw against Aston Villa at the weekend after initially being doubtful, the injury requires ongoing treatment and forced his withdrawal.

“First and foremost I want to express my disappointment that I cannot be involved in these upcoming games in China and Thailand,It was a decision that was made after the game since my injury that occurred the previous weekend away at Stoke” said Reid

Reid said his decision to withdraw was doubly painful because of his captaincy responsibilities under new coach Anthony Hudson.

“We are starting on a new cycle with a new environment, a new coach and new young players. For me to be able to captain the team and country is a very big honour and responsibility that I intend to live up to.

“I respect the environment that we are trying to build with the national team, a winning environment and this requires a 100 per cent dedication on and off the pitch.”