Blackburn manager "Big" Sam Allardyce has come out firing against Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni over comments the Italian made about midfielder Steven Reid.

Reid has been plagued with injury and has only played in two league cup games in the past 12 months, leading the Irish manager to question if he would even be able to play consistently at the top level again, reportedly saying that it would be "very very difficult" to do so.

Reid is reported to have been very surprised at his international manager's comments, and his club boss Allardyce, who once managed Limerick City, is absolutely furious.

“It’s disgraceful, completely out of order,” said Big Sam.

“He’s not talking correctly in terms of Steven’s injury. What he is saying is completely untrue and something he should apologize for.

“He has undermined us as a football club, undermined Steven as a player and he has really been very, very naughty in what he has said," continued the Blackburn boss.

So far in his Irish reign Trapattoni has avoided any fallout with club managers, and in tussling with Big Sam, the Italian has certainly taken on a man not shy to defend his players and share his opinion.

“He should make a public apology and hopefully that will be the end of it. Steven has had a long haul and he’s trying to resurrect his career and secure a new contract. He also wants to go and play for his country as he has done many, many times and given his all on every occasion.

“There’s no player more honest than Steven and to be dealt that sort of a blow at this stage, when he’s not feeling the best, trying to come back from a big injury and picking up another little niggle, is very, very disrespectful to say the least. It’s disgusting.”