SUNDERLAND striker Niall Quinn has been boosted by a scan all-clear on his injured back.

Quinn, 34, is fit to face former club Manchester City tomorrow after boss Peter Reid expressed relief that the trouble was not serious.

Reid said: "I was worried that it might have been due to wear and tear and I think Quinny was a bit concerned as well.

"But there is no major problem and he's a lot more comfortable with that news.

"I'd hate to be the manager who tried to keep him out of this game. "We can't push him too much but it's really good news."

Reid was full of praise yesterday for Quinn, who missed the Worthington Cup defeat at Crystal Palace in midweek in order to rest his injury.

And he said: "He has been an outstanding signing for me. The biggest thing is that so many supporters realise how good he has been and how positive an influence he has been at Sunderland.

"His persona off the pitch is big as well and he's a great figurehead for the club. Since he got his knee right he has been top drawer."

Quinn, of course, will need a new partner against City because Kevin Phillips is suspended.

And Reid revealed how he tried and failed to fill the gap by bidding to pip Leeds in the chase for Robbie Keane.

The Sunderland boss confirmed: "We tried to get Keane on loan and we were in with a shout. But Leeds got there first.

"We had contact with Inter Milan and I'm disappointed it didn't work out.

"The lad has something special and we thought Niall could have been a big influence with the Irish connection.

"He knew there was an interest there from this club but he preferred Leeds. I'm not too happy about it but there is nothing we can do."

Added Reid: "You still have to look for bargains, but to come into our team now you have to be a top quality player."

Sunderland meanwhile were yesterday tying up a deal for 18-year-old Raith Rovers striker Dene Shields after the youngster had talks on Wearside following an impressive trial at the Stadium of Light.

Newcastle, who also tried for Keane, will monitor the Leeds' situation involving £5m injured striker Michael Bridges in the light of Keane's arrival.

The Magpies are understood to be interested in landing the former Sunderland marksman.