New coach Giovanni Trapattoni has been alerted to Quinn's impressive start to the season and will send scouts to monitor his form ahead of next month's World Cup qualifiers against Georgie and Montenegro.

Quinn, who lines-up for the Blades at Blackpool, said: "It is everyone's dream to play for their country and if I keep working hard, hopefully, that will come sooner rather than later.

"I have heard that Trapattoni is sending people to watch me but I have got to concentrate on Sheffield United, that is my priority."

Quinn, whose brother Alan has won eight caps for Ireland, burst onto the scene two years ago and played 15 games for the Blades in the Premier League.

Ankle trouble hampered his progress last season but Quinn has been a regular under new manager Kevin Blackwell.

The Blades are looking to make it two wins from the first three league games at Bloomfield Road but Quinn knows that Blackpool cannot be under-estimated, especially at home.

Only a late equaliser from James Beattie prevented the Seasiders inflicting defeat on the Blades last season and Quinn said: "They will battle so hard to beat Sheffield United because of who we are – but if we play consistently like we played against QPR last weekend, we won't be far off this season."

Quinn, 22, thinks the intense competition for places will keep every one on their toes.

Blackwell has yet to include summer signings David Cotterill or Matthew Spring in his starting line-up for a league game while Lee Hendrie, Nick Montgomery, and David Carney are also chasing places in midfield.

"You just cannot afford to rest on your laurels," said Quinn. "We have so many good players in our squad that, even in training, you cannot afford to just go through the motions."

Blackpool are boosted by the return to full fitness of former Blades striker Steve Kabba.

Manager Simon Grayson said: "I'm hopeful that Steve is going to be a very good player for us. He's had periods at other clubs where he's done really well and I'm hopeful that we can get that sort of form back into him."