Steven Reid yesterday said his £2.5 million transfer from Millwall to Blackburn Rovers will enhance his prospects of playing for the Republic of Ireland.

Reid completed the move on Monday night despite some late interest from Portsmouth. He signed a four-year contract at Ewood Park following a six-hour medical.

Speaking via his personal website yesterday, Reid said: "Like any Nationwide player, I'd dreamt of playing Premiership football but to actually be given that opportunity at this stage of my career, as well as the bonus of the chance to play in the UEFA Cup, is almost too good to be true. It is a fantastic move for me and I hope I can justify Blackburn's faith in me.

"Of course, I also took into consideration the fact it is the Euro 2004 finals at the end of the summer. I broke into the Republic set-up as a first division player but I know my chances of playing in the finals if we qualify are going to be improved if I'm performing regularly in the Premiership.

"There is a lot of competition for places in the squad at the moment and I hope the move will help keep me in contention.

"I'll ring Brian Kerr later this week but I'm sure he'll be pleased another one of his squad is going to be playing at a higher level."

Reid's new boss Graeme Souness will start the new season with the FA scrutinising his every move after he escaped a five-match touchline ban by pleading guilty to a misconduct charge.

Souness was facing a third suspension in 18 months after the FA belatedly heard his appeal at Bolton's Reebok Stadium yesterday having originally charged him with using foul and abusive language towards the fourth official Matt Messias during the League Cup quarter-final against Wigan eight months ago.

Souness had initially threatened to hire a QC to clear his name but opted instead to plead guilty to improper conduct. He was fined £10,000 and has the threat of a lengthy touchline ban hanging over him.