Elliot Back at Last

**youngirish** · 21/02/2006, 1:00 PM

Stephen Elliott could make his first-team comeback for Sunderland on Saturday against relegation rivals Birmingham City.

The Republic of Ireland international has not played for The Black Cats since early November due to a back problem.

But he is now back in full training and scheduled to play for the reserves against their Aston Villa counterparts on Wednesday.

If Elliott emerges through the run-out unscathed then he will be in contention for the weekend's Premiership trip to Birmingham.

Black Cats boss Mick McCarthy is also boosted by the return to fitness of January signing Rory Delap.

The versatile Irishman has yet to play for Sunderland since joining from Southampton during last month's transfer window.

Delap has been hampered by an Achilles injury, but he is expected to line up alongside Elliott in the reserves.

The return of Delap and Elliott will be a boost to McCarthy as The Premiership's bottom club look to finish the season on a high.

**ken foree** · 22/02/2006, 5:12 PM

t'rific news he was amazing against newcy earlier in the season although could've finished a bit better. looks a good player when he's got service. tenacious too

**livehead1** · 22/02/2006, 5:16 PM

if he can get back and knock them in till the end of the season then he could get a move back to the prem. in the summer although he may be expensive

**zinedineontour** · 22/02/2006, 6:56 PM

Originally Posted by livehead1

if he can get back and knock them in till the end of the season then he could get a move back to the prem. in the summer although he may be expensive

for sunderlands sake hopefully he will stay another year with us to get us back up but if he got a decent move to the prem be delighted for the lad ..

**ccfcgirl** · 22/02/2006, 7:02 PM

Hopfully his back problem wont play up in the future ,as I say Stephan has a great future ahead of him.

**zinedineontour** · 22/02/2006, 8:14 PM

played for 45mins tonight looked decent enough few good touches hopefully might be on the bench at brum on sat ..

**eirebhoy** · 22/02/2006, 9:17 PM

Originally Posted by zinedineontour

for sunderlands sake hopefully he will stay another year with us to get us back up but if he got a decent move to the prem be delighted for the lad ..

Sunderland will have to come 2nd here.

I don't want Elliott spending another season in the Championship. He has definitely looked good enough for the premiership so far.

**zinedineontour** · 22/02/2006, 9:46 PM

Originally Posted by eirebhoy

Sunderland will have to come 2nd here.

I don't want Elliott spending another season in the Championship. He has definitely looked good enough for the premiership so far.

agree with you mate looked like one of our few players who can score this season .. just been a bit selfish !

**tetsujin1979** · 22/02/2006, 10:51 PM

report online on safc.com: http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=9044

Delap who had an Achilles injury when he signed from Southampton last month, is now likely to be in Sunderland's squad for their trip to Birmingham on Saturday.

Elliott, returning from a back injury, will not be considered for the game at St. Andrew's.

sounds like they are easing Elliott back into it, given their dearth of options up front that has to be tough to do.