  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 method (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.

Nuclear Experiment