INSPIRATIONAL striker Niall Quinn, currently out of action with a worrying back injury, last night assured Sunderland fans: "I'll be back soon."

There were fears that the big Republic of Ireland international might be ruled out for the rest of the season with a recurring back problem - and he was worried he might have to have an operation.

But Quinn is making a rapid recovery, thanks to a course of special yoga exercises and is confident that he will soon be able to rejoin the Premiership battle for European qualification.

Quinn admitted: "I was worried about the possibility of surgery when I spoke to my consultant.

"But he assures me there is no need for an operation and that I'll be back playing again this season.

"The pain in my back has gone completely - it has been helped by a daily course of yoga-type exercises and I should be back in full training in about two weeks."

He added: "I hope to be involved in Sunderland's Premiership run-in and then to keep ticking over until Ireland's World Cup games in early June."

Quinn was delighted with the Republic's superb 4-0 victory in Cyprus and the performance of his clubmate, Kevin Kilbane, who was played in his favourite position on the left wing.

Now Kilbane is hoping that his international form will convince Sunderland manager Peter Reid that this is his most effective position.

The £2.5m signing from West Brom has had an inconsistent season and Reid was forced to rest the winger after he was the target for crowd abuse as he struggled to find his best form playing on the right flank.

But Kilbane found himself back on the left at Stamford Bridge little over a week ago, when Julio Arca switched to the right, and played an important part in the 4-2 victory, which ended a poor run of six League games without a win.

Kilbane said: "Being back on the left was fantastic, it's my favourite position and it's where I'd like to have been playing all season for Sunderland." He admitted: "I don't feel confidence playing on the right at times. I've felt I've done a decent job there but maybe not enough. At Chelsea I played on the left again and felt good."

Kilbane was delighted that Ireland boss Mick McCarthy played him in his favourite position in Cyprus and he is hoping to continue in the same role tomorrow night after recovering from an ankle injury.

Kilbane said: "I think playing left wing is where my long-term future lies.

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