Republic of Ireland international striker Niall Quinn plans on repaying the faith shown in him by Sunderland by signing a new contract at the club which will keep him there until the end of his career.

Sunderland manager Peter Reid stuck by Quinn when he suffered a serious knee injury. Pundits reckoned it was the end of the striker's career but Reid showed patience and Quinn fully recovered, coming back as a better player.

Reid was again advised to get rid of Quinn when Sunderland won promotion back to the Premiership but the Sunderland boss knew what a gem he had and ignored the advice. Quinn has since gone on to vindicate the manager's decision, scoring a creditable 15 goals last season.

Goalscoring is not Quinn's only forte. He helped strike partner Kevin Phillips become the Premiership's top scorer last season, which led the England international to be awarded the Carling Player of the Year.

Quinn still has a year to run on his current contract but the club want to seal his services for the rest of his career and they have opened talks with the Dubliner's representatives, despite the player being 33. When he finishes his playing days it will be a natural progression that he moves behind the scenes in football. Young players have great respect for Quinn because he takes the time to give them advice.

Peter Reid confirmed: "We've started talks with his solicitor and I expect everything to go smoothly - he's a very important player to Sunderland and we're determined to keep hold of him."

Quinn is currently in America with the Irish international team who are involved in the US Nike Cup.

The player said: "Sunderland and Peter Reid have given me a new lease of life and I'm really enjoying my football - I don't see there being any hiccups with the new deal."