The midfielder, who boasts nine Under-21 caps, has emerged as Bramall Lane boss Kevin Blackwell's left-flank since United were relegated to the Championship.

Representatives of Giovanni Trapattoni, who succeeded Steve Staunton as Eire manager in February, are scheduled to monitor Quinn's progress before the Italian's team embark on their World Cup qualifying campaign in Georgia on Septembe 6.

The 22-year-old is unlikely to feature but knows that a series of inspiring performances, starting at Blackpool today, could see him board the plane to South Africa in 2010 providing the Irish plot a course out of a group also containing Italy and Bulgaria.

What's your view? Post your comments below.

"I'm always looking to try and break in for Ireland," Quinn said. "Everyone wants to represent their country and I'm no different.

"I've heard that Mr Trapattoni is sending people to watch me and obviously I want to do well.

"But all I'm focusing on is doing well for Sheffield United because, if I don't, then there's no way I'll get a call-up.

"United has to be my priority because there's so much competition for places that, if it's not, then I won't stay in the side."

Quinn is expected to expose Blackpool's right flank when they travel to Bloomfield Road today after Blackwell hinted he is unlikely to make wholesale changes to the team that beat QPR 3-0 last weekend.

Chris Morgan is a doubt after being concussed during that match and the United manager, who will promote Ugo Ehiogu from the bench if his captain is declared unavailable, has argued the visit to Lancashire represents an even tougher test than the ones his players faced against Birmingham and the Londoners.

David Cotterill is in the Wales squad for Worls Cup qualifiers against
READ MORE
Cricket
Ice hockey
Football headlines.
Football gossip.
More Blades
< Sports columnists.
All sport categories