Getting a CD player instead of a medal for Anfield ‘89 made up Niall Quinn’s mind to leave Arsenal

The Ireland international saw the writing on the wall for his Highbury career

Happier times at Arsenal, as Niall Quinn celebrates with captain Kenny Sansom after the 1987 Littlewoods Cup Final victory against Liverpool at Wembley 

Niall Quinn didn’t get on the pitch for Arsenal’s famous title win at Anfield in 1989. Just two substitutes could be named in those days — and Martin Hayes and Perry Groves got the nod as Arsenal’s back-up.

But Quinn was very much part of the travelling party and sat on the bench. Indeed, in the scenes of jubilation that followed Michael Thomas’s injury-time winner, the Ireland international can be seen leading the wild celebrations, ignoring manager George Graham’s pleas for restraint and respect for the crestfallen home team.