Quinn lined up for ambassadors role

Black Cats chairman Bob Murray told shareholders at last week's AGM he would be discussing an ambassador's role with Quinn during the next few weeks.

A Sunderland spokeswoman said: "We didn't want to lose our links with Niall and will be talking to him in the near future.

"Niall has been a fantastic asset for the club both on and off the pitch - and has already agreed in principle to an ambassadorial role.

"He would be invaluable with regard to recruiting young players from Ireland and would be a tremendous boost to the work we do in the community."

Quinn announced his retirement as a player last month after scoring 69 goals in 183 starts for The Black Cats.