Quinn still doubtful - March 14,
2001
Republic of Ireland striker Niall Quinn saw his consultant surgeon yesterday - and was told to rest his back injury for a month!
But the Sunderland hitman believes he can still chase the Republic's all-time scoring record against Cyprus and Andorra later this month.
The 82-cap, 20-goal striker believes Sunderland boss Peter Reid will ignore the medical advice and play the Dubliner against Chelsea on Saturday. And that would leave Quinn free to travel with the Irish squad to Cyprus for the March 24 World Cup qualifier.
"I wasn't surprised that the specialist told me to take a month out - but he's told me that before and the boss has felt otherwise," said Quinn.
"That's what I expect him to do this time. If I play on Saturday and the back problem doesn't get any worse, I think I'll be on the 'plane."
Quinn is level with Frank Stapleton on 20 goals and he needs just one more international strike to move into sole top position in the list of the Republic's all-time goalscorers.