Quinn to be awarded honorary degree
Niall Quinn is to receive an honorary degree from Sunderland University.
The Ireland international, who was praised in the House of Commons by the Prime Minister for his generosity in donating testimonial money to charity, will receive the accolade at a ceremony later this month.
He has recently been made a player coach with Sunderland - whom he joined in 1996 - after returning from a brave performance with the Republic in the World Cup.
A spokesman for the university said: "Niall Quinn is one of football's most respected figures."
Tony Blair paid tribute to Mr Quinn for his decision to hand over gate receipts from a testimonial game at Sunderland's Stadium of Light to children's charities in Dublin, Wearside and Calcutta.
Quinn, who has retired from the international game after winning more than 90 caps, will receive an Honorary Fellowship.
