Quinn tips Andy for the top - January 23, 2001
Niall Quinn watched Bradford's Andy O'Brien put England striker Kevin Phillips in his pocket on Sunday - and tipped the youngster for a huge international future with the Republic of Ireland!
New England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson watched as Phillips drew a blank in the goal-less draw at the Stadium of Light - but Big Niall was mightily impressed with the marking job u21 international O'Brien did on his strike partner.
Quinn said: "I'm sure Mick will at least have watched the television on Sunday and I know he rates him very highly and he's had him at u-21 level. Unfortunately from our point of view he did a great job on Kevin on Sunday and I'm sure he can go on from there.
"I think there are a couple of young lads coming through with Ireland. Richard Dunne probably has the start on him. But all he has to do is bide his time. Hopefully he'll be still playing in the Premiership and that will give him a chance."
McCarthy has already indicated that O'Brien will be in the senior squad for next month's friendly against Denmark, along with another young centre-back prospect, Tottenham's Gary Doherty.