Republic of Ireland international Colin Healy is to quit Sunderland next week. The 25-year-old Corkman has not played in two years after twice breaking his leg and suffering a knee injury.

Sunderland manager Mick McCarrthy - who handed Healy his international debut against Russia in 2002 - had retained the midfielder on a short-term deal but it expires on Monday and the player has failed to prove his fitness.

After recovering from his second leg break, Healy was in line for a return to the first team but then injured his knee. He recently returned to training and was hopeful of playing again before the end of the season.

Healy will now return to Ireland and consider his options although Sunderland will allow him continue his rehabilitation at the club should he wish to.

"It's down to him to come back and get himself fit," McCarthy said. "It's whether he wants to do it here, or do it somewhere else. I'm hoping he comes back here and trains with us but I'm not certain."

Healy last played for the Republic under Brian Kerr in the 2-0 Euro 2004 qualifying defeat to Switzerland in Basel.