<text>  When the Republic of Ireland team sheet for Martin ONeills first competitive game against Georgia was released an hour or so before kick-off, one name stood out: Stephen Quinn. This was last September and the beginning of the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign. It was the start of a new, bright, vibrant era under the inspirational Derry man. Hull Citys midfield dynamo felt like a peculiar addition. He had been around the block since his debut against the same opponents in 2013 but never started a match with points at stake. Midfielder Stephen Quinn is in the reckoning to line up against Poland on Sunday . This was ONeill making his point and giving a player previously overlooked a chance to make his own point, too. Quinn provided energy and forward thinking alongside Glenn Whelan and James McCarthy in a three-man midfield. Being left-footed, he also brought balance to the centre of the park. He was given the ultimate compliment by the manager when he was rested for the 7-0 stroll at home to Gibraltar in October so he would be ready to help stifle Germany a few days later. When he failed to start any of the four Hull games between the 1-1 draw in Gelsenkirchen and the November date with Scotland, it was no surprise Quinn was left on the bench at Celtic Park before being introduced in the second half. And while his last start in the Premier League came on January 18, circumstances may dictate that he is in the reckoning to line out against Poland on Sunday. Jeff Hendrick has been unable to join up with the squad at all through injury while Darron Gibson returned to Everton on Wednesday because of his groin complaint. Quinn, though, isnt feeling as if hes a shoo-in to step back into the starting XI. I dont think you can ever think like that, there are lads who have been here a long time and you can never rest on your laurels. You have to come back and show the manager youre willing and able, and are still working hard for a place, he insisted. Quinn made his last start in the Premier League on January 18 . No one is guaranteed a starting spot, the squad is stronger than ever with some great additions and the manager will have some headaches. Poland may be the group leaders having set the cat amongst the pigeons by beating Germany, but the Dubliner maintains Ireland must be the ones to set the tempo and impose themselves on the visitors. Every game is a must-win game, you want to win all these games and try to get as good a lead as possible. But it doesnt work like that with such a tough and strong group, said Quinn. It is a big game, we know how big it is, theres no point in beating around the bush. But well go out and do our best. Well leave no stone unturned and do all our tactics, and then well go out and do our job. Theres no point in just talking about it and looking at the videos, weve got to get on the ball and bring the game to them, the 28-year-old continued. I think everyone is a little bit surprised with Germany, theyve had a sluggish start and its a bit of a hangover from last summer. In European football at the minute, any team can beat anyone but youve just got to be the best team on the day and hopefully that will come good for us on Sunday. Scotland and Germany are both highly likely to win this weekend against Gibraltar and Georgia respectively, so there is little room for error with Ireland level on seven points with them both. I think we can see that, it doesnt take a scientist to work that out, Quinn added. But maybe its the team that just limits the mistakes and capitalise on their home form that will progress. 