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"He has taken on board everything we've said and he is maturing as a player and a person," said Staunton.
"He is also probably in the most important position on the park and the added responsibility will bring him on.
As Staunton has noted, Reid has had injury problems over the years, which is why his 18 caps have taken so long to acquire.
But he can see a player ready to fulfil his potential, adding: "He needed 12 months of playing football.
"He has had that, and it benefited him and Blackburn Rovers. With that, it is going to benefit us as well."
Although shocked to be named captain, particularly it was several years ago he last wore an armband at youth-team level, Reid is at least hoping he will not be a one-hit wonder.
"It's a big step up to captain the national team, but with the faith that has been shown in me, there comes confidence.
"I thought it might happen at some point in my career. It's just come a bit quicker than I and a lot of other people probably thought.
"But if I do a good job, then somewhere down the line there might be another possibility."