The reaction $^{17}$O($n,alpha$)$^{14}$C was studied at energies from $E_{cm}=0$ to $E_{cm}=350$ keV using the quasi-free deuteron break-up in the three body reaction $^{17}$O$+d rightarrow alpha+ ^{14}$C$+p$, extending the Trojan Horse indirect meth
od (THM) to neutron-induced reactions. It is found that the $^{18}$O excited state at $E^*=8.125 pm 0.002$ MeV observed in THM experiments is absent in the direct measurement because of its high centrifugal barrier. The angular distributions of the populated resonances have been measured for the first time. The results unambiguously indicate the ability of the THM to overcome the centrifugal barrier suppression effect and to pick out the contribution of the bare nuclear interaction.
