Quinn's extra incentive to end away jinx

Derek Davis

ALAN Quinn has an extra reason for seeing Town end their miserable away run at Hillsborough today.

The £400,000 signing from Sheffield United returns to their Steel City rivals for the first time since leaving Hillsborough to go to Sheffield United via Sunderland.

Quinn made his home debut against Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday and now goes back to Hillsborough to face the club that first brought him over to England from Dublin's Cherry Orchard.

He will then travel to Crystal Palace the following Tuesday and meet the manager he won promotion with at Sheffield United.

Quinn said: “I couldn't believe it when I saw the fixture list and it was Wednesday and Palace the next away games.

“Hopefully we will get the first away win there. It would be lovely.

“I scored at Bramall Lane but broke my leg and so didn't play at Hillsborough so this will be my first time back.

“I'm not sure what sort of reception I will get but I can imagine it won't be good after signing for Sheffield United.”

There is no doubt Quinn is a battle-hardened midfielder after winning promotion with the Blades and does not have any hang ups about the away record that is approaching a year with a win on the road.

Quinn said: “If you go on a bit of a run then that breeds confidence and when Ipswich get that first win they will go on a roll - let's just hope that first win is at Hillsborough.”

Blues boss Jim Magilton, who usually gets stick from Wednesday fans as a former player, will hand debuts to keeper Stephen Bywater and midfielder David Norris, while Quinn is also likely to start.

Magilton said: “Alan will get slightly more stick than I get going back there. Living in the City and playing for both clubs means it has extra meaning,

“He has a bit if bite and he will enjoy it.”

Town were last night still hoping to secure the international clearance that would allow Macedonian international Velice Sumulikoski to make his debut this afternoon, but it is being held up at the Turkey end.