Niall Quinn's prospects of a recall to the Republic of Ireland team to meet Argentina at Lansdowne Road next Wednesday, came more sharply into focus yesterday after Mick McCarthy had articulated his plans for the weekend.
Managers' movements on the weekend before an international game, are frequently indicative of their team plans and to that extent, Quinn will be reassured to discover that he is very much in McCarthy's thoughts.
Before travelling to Dublin tomorrow evening, he will take in Sunderland's important First Division game against Crewe, a clear indication that he is looking to the tall Dubliner to lead the search for goals against Argentina.
It will also afford him an opportunity of assessing the form of Gareth Whalley, the Crewe midfielder, who is the only uncapped player in the squad for the meeting with the South Americans.
Quinn won the last of his 62 caps in the World Cup game against Lithuania in August and then damaged cruciate ligaments, among the most serious injuries in football, for the second time in four years.
For a while, it was feared that he might never play again but now at the age of 31 and with a total of caps surpassed by only one player in the squad, Stephen Staunton, he returns with an even bigger responsibility than ever.
"At this point I have no intention of discussing my team plans for next Wednesday's game but if you ask me if I'm happy about Niall's return, you've only to look at my face," he told reporters
"He's a player who has a tremendous influence on the squad and some of his more recent performances for Sunderland give the lie to the theory that he is no longer capable of contributing at the highest level. I've never believed that and if he gets the opportunity next Wednesday, I'm certain he'll prove it".
McCarthy confirmed that as yet, there have been no withdrawals from the squad but bitter experience should prepare him for some difficult hours on Sunday as he awaits news of the casualty toll in the weekend club programme in England.
Football enthusiasts who may feel that they are in need of a break from the game after sitting through the World Cup finals in France in the summer, will find themselves tempted by an attractive four-club tournament for the Carlsberg Trophy at Lansdowne Road on July 31st and August 1st.
Encouraged by the success of a similar venture last summer, plans have been put in place for a tournament involving Lazio, Liverpool, Leeds United and the new National League Premier Division champions, yet to be determined.
Lazio, through to the UEFA Cup final against Inter Milan on May 6th, have undertaken to bring a full strength squad, including Matias Almeyda and Jose Chamot who will both be in contention for places in Argentina's team next Wednesday.
It will be the first occasion for the distinguished Italian club to play in Dublin but in the manner of these things, the more vocal welcome probably awaits Liverpool and Leeds, both hugely popular in this country.
Roy Evans was among the guests at yesterday's launch in Dublin and in addition to speaking enthusiastically about Ritchie Partridge's rate of development at the club, had some encouraging news of Jason McAteer's protracted recovery from injury.
Liverpool will oppose the National League champions in the first semi-final on July 31st, followed immediately by the meeting of Lazio and Leeds United. The winners meet in the final the following day with the beaten sides playing off for third and fourth places.
