1 of 10
Three years after joining Arsenal, Niall Quinn leads the Londoners' attack against Nottingham Forest in 1986

2 of 10
Quinn joins Manchester City in 1990 for �800,000 and in his first full season scores an impressive 20 goals from 38 appearances

3 of 10
A few months later Quinn is instrumental in Ireland's performances at Italia 90

4 of 10
Quinn moves to Sunderland in 1996 and a year later makes history by scoring the first ever goal at Sunderland's brand new Stadium of Light, he goes on to hit a total of 68 goals for the club

5 of 10
Quinn continues to make history as he becomes Ireland's top goalscorer with 21 goals after his strike against Cyprus in 2002

6 of 10
At 6ft 4ins, Quinn terrorises defences with his strong aerial abilities but this takes its toll as he suffers numerous back problems

7 of 10
Quinn eventually decides to call it a day when a persistent back injury returns at the start of last season

8 of 10
His last full professional appearance is at the 2002 World Cup but Ireland are beaten by Spain in the second round on penalties

9 of 10
Niall Quinn is praised in May 2002 when he donates all of the proceeds from his Sunderland v Ireland XI testimonial match to charity

10 of 10
Regarded as one of the game's true gentlemen, Quinn is awarded a honorary MBE for his services to football and for his charity work