Niall Quinn's Testimonial generated over �1 million for charities Quinn's career in pictures

Quinn, who was also recognised for his charity work, will receive the award in Dublin on Wednesday from British Ambassador Stewart Eldon.

His initiative of donating the proceeds from his testimonial match between Sunderland and the Republic of Ireland last year to children's charities, led to his idea being adopted by a number of other players.

Commenting of this in the House of Commons the British Prime Minister Tony Blair lauded Quinn's initiative.

It is absolutely typical of the individual,'' said Mr Blair. ''In circumstances where people in sport often get a lot of bad publicity, this is an example we can hold up to everybody.''

Quinn is patron of The Glass Slipper Appeal which raises money for hospitals in the Sunderland area in an effort to help their fight against breast cancer.

He also has close association with the Ladies Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, Dublin.

Quinn started his footballing career in England with a move from Dublin to Arsenal back in 1983. He then transferred to Manchester City after seven years of great service at Highbury.

He then moved to Sunderland in 1996 and was forced to retire with a back injury last season.

The 36-year-old striker played 91 times for the Republic of Ireland side and scored 21 goals and played in two World Cups.