SHAY Given has described Niall Quinn's decision to pull out of the Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifiers as a "huge loss."

Sunderland striker Quinn, forced to stand down because of back trouble, misses key games against Cyprus and Andorra.

Newcastle and Ireland goalkeeper Given said: "He's going to be a big miss for us. He and Robbie Keane form a really good combination up front and it'll be hard to replace him."

Danny Dichio is eager to replace Quinn at club level and is likely to spearhead the Sunderland attack at Chelsea tomorrow.

The 26-year-old frontman insists he's ready for a run in the Premiership even though boss Peter Reid is in the market for another striker.

And he can't wait for the chance to help Sunderland in the club's bid for Europe. "This is the chance I've been waiting for and hopefully I'll get the nod," he said yesterday.

"Quinny needs a rest and that hands me a great opportunity. If I play against Chelsea I'm confident of doing well.

"I've scored a couple this season and I think I can get more. With players like Kevin Phillips and Don Hutchison around, the chances should come."

Dichio, who has scored twice in eight starts this season, added: "We've had a bad month and we need to get some good results. There are nine games left and we have to push on.

"It'll be a boost to have players back from injury and suspension because the team has been upset in recent weeks. Hopefully we can go to Chelsea and pick up a good result."

Dichio meanwhile has laughed off talk that he wants a move from the Stadium of Light.

The striker has been linked with Ipswich, Derby and Watford. But he insisted: "I'm happy here and I want to concentrate on doing well. I'd be mad to leave at a time like this."

l Everton midfielder Scot Gemmill has been recalled to the Scotland squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Belgium and San Marino this month.

The 30-year-old won the last of his 15 caps in 1999. There has been no recall, though, for Gary McAllister after speculation that the Liverpool veteran might come out of international retirement.

The squad is: Douglas (Celtic), Gould (Celtic), Main (St Johnstone), Sullivan (Tottenham), Boyd (Celtic), Elliott (Leicester), Hendry (Bolton), Pressley (Hearts), Weir (Everton), Burley (Derby), Cameron (Hearts), Ferguson (Rangers), Gemmill (Everton), Holt (Kilmarnock), Lambert (Celtic), Matteo (Leeds), Dickov (Man City), Dodds (Rangers), Gallacher (Newcastle) Hutchison (Sunderland), Johnston (Rangers)