Quinn sidelined for three weeks - February 27, 2000
Niall Quinn's withdrawal from tomorrow night's international against Denmark means the Sunderland striker will have an enforced three-week rest before he kicks a ball again - and that could be just what the doctor ordered.
Quinn is banned for Monday's Premiership fixture against Aston Villa and Sunderland's FA Cup exit means the club has a weekend off the following week.
But the enforced break will give the big striker a chance to rest the back injury that has plagued him for much of the season.
And Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy hopes that will be enough to see his first-choice target man fit and ready for the World Cup qualifiers against Cyprus and Andorra in March.
In Quinn's absence, McCarthy - due to name his team later this morning - will start with two small men, Robbie Keane and David Connolly, up front tomorrow night. But he may experiment with Gary Doherty, Rory Delap, Kevin Kilbane or Damien Duff during the game.