REPUBLIC of Ireland striker Niall Quinn faces a race against the clock to play in Saturday's Tyne-Wear derby at St James' Park.

The 34-year-old Dubliner, who ended a 14-game barren run by scoring Sunderland's equaliser in the 2-2 home draw against Southampton, finished the game with a back injury and has been forced to withdraw from Ireland's friendly against Finland at Lansdowne Road tomorrow night.

Quinn has been one of Sunderland's most consistent performers this season but has been rewarded for his efforts with only a modest three goals.

His partnership with England striker Kevin Phillips, however, remains one of the most feared combinations in the Premiership and manager Peter Reid is anxious to go into the game against Newcastle with his two big guns.

Quinn, who complained recently that he was a marked man because referees were not affording him adequate protection, is still the most fouled player in the top bracket and went into Saturday's game on the receiving end of 38 fouls.

He has been troubled by a back injury for a few weeks and will need further treatment from the Sunderland physiotherapist before he can resume training.

It is a blow for Quinn to miss the Republic's friendly because he is only one goal off equalling Frank Stapleton's record 20 strikes for his country.

Reid will return to Lancashire tonight tonight to check on two "new players".

At the third time of asking long-term casualties Stefan Schwarz and Gavin McCann will make their competitive returns in the Premier Reserve League game against Manchester City, which is due to be played at Hyde United's Ewen Field Ground in Stockport.

Both were due to play in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Carlisle United and last week's scheduled reserve match against Middlesbrough, but both games fell victim to the weather.

But now, with an extra couple of weeks' training under their belts, both are itching to get back into competitive action.

Reid is delighted that his lengthy injury list is at last clearing up and he hopes that Schwarz and McCann will soon be challenging for places.

Reid said: "They are back in full training now, doing exactly the same as the other first team players and both are champing at the bit to get back playing again."

Schwarz received a terrible Achilles tendon injury when playing in a friendly for Sweden in Austria, while McCann, voted Sunderland's Young Player of the Season, also had surgery on a knee injury.

Schwarz, who was Sunderland's club-record buy when he moved from Valencia in the summer of last year for £3.75m, was an important part of the team which climbed to seventh place in the Premiership last season and the 64-times capped player is rated very highly by Reid.

Reid said: "I think you only really notice Stefan sometimes when he's out of the side. He gets through an immense amount of work and has been a big miss."

McCann, who cost £500,000 from Everton, established himself in the team before a knee injury received at Coventry in February ended his season.

The 22-year-old Blackpool-born player said: "It was a great year for me and the club last season. The lads are doing well again and it will be hard getting back in.

"But I've tested my knee out in training and it feels strong. Now I want a competitive game out of the way and I will be a lot happier."

Sunderland's reserve side has yet to be beaten this season, winning their four opening games before drawing 1-1 against Aston Villa.

l First Division Crewe Alexandra are expected to lodge a bid of £250,000 this week for Sunderland midfielder Chris Lumsdon, who is in his third month on loan