Stephen Quinn revels in unexpected return to Ireland squad

They might not exactly revel in the title themselves but from an Irish perspective, Hull City are the new Wolves.

Stephen Quinn’s return to the international squad this week brings to four the number of Steve Bruce’s promotion winning side that will be involved, to one extent or another, in this evening’s game at Wembley.

Quinn has joined up with the group following the withdrawal of Paul Green and a call from the FAI so unexpected, he says, that he reckoned it might be a practical joke.

“I was sitting with my family having Sunday lunch when the phone call came,” he says. “I didn’t know if it was a wind-up or not because I didn’t think that I was close. But the call did come and I don’t think I even finished my dinner. I was ready to go, I left my Sunday lunch and went back home to get my passport so I could fly over first thing. It’s not sunk in yet because it all happened so fast, I’m trying to get my bearings.”

If the 27-year-old Dubliner is surprised then David Meyler, his midfield colleague at the KC stadium is not with the Corkman observing that: "Quinner has been fantastic for us, our players player of the year last season, which he deserved. The four of us have been together, worked really hard and to achieve what we achieved , and to be here, it's great."

Joined Hull last summer
Quinn, who played one game for St Patrick's Athletic en route from Cherry Orchard to Sheffield United where he played more than 200 matches prior to joining Hull last summer, is not disagreeing, of course: "Definitely, after working hard this season it has paid off," he says. "Going up with Hull City was a fantastic experience and now this tops off a great season for me. I couldn't be happier."

That said, the timing could have been better. Quinn’s partner is expecting their first child in a few weeks and they had returned to Ireland for the summer expecting few distractions but, he says, she has been understanding about the father to be’s sudden departure.

“Vanessa knows that this means everything to me after working hard to get back in again seven years since the last call up. It was disappointing that it did not happen for me in 2007 (when he was called up by Steve Staunton for a qualifier against San Marino but didn’t feature). I didn’t want to think that that was going to be the total of my international career.”

His brother Alan's involvement with the squad was an inspiration, he says, and through him he knew some of the more experienced players, something that is also likely to stand to him now as he looks to hit the ground running and make an impression.

May play a part
Giovanni Trapattoni has hinted that the left sided midfielder could play a part this evening although he's inclined to answer in the affirmative when asked such things and it seems a long shot really.

“Even the chance to show in training that I can step up to international level is great. I’m massively proud to be Irish and it’s the ultimate honour to play for your country. And it would be the highpoint of my career if I did play, especially against England.”