Elliott tipped as future star by FIFA

FIFA have named Republic of Ireland U20 goal-scoring sensation Stephen Elliott among their stars of the recent World Youth Championships held in the UAE.

Elliott was one of three European players included in a list of 12 players by FIFA which they expect to go on to greater things with senior teams over the coming years.

The Dubliner was one of Ireland’s stars of the tournament, scoring three goals as Ireland topped Group E with victories over Saudi Arabia and Mexico as well as a draw with the Ivory Coast before going out after a 3-2 golden goal defeat to eventual bronze medallists Columbia.

Despite playing with three different strike partners during the tournament, and carrying a foot injury from the first day of training, Elliott was outstanding scoring both goals against Saudi Arabia and the equaliser against the Ivory Coast to become the only Irish player to have scored three goals at one World Youth Championships (the previous record of two was held by Damien Duff who scored twice in Malaysia ’97 and Nigeria ’99).

Ireland manager Gerry Smith was very impressed by his star striker saying: “Elliott is a genuine goalscorer, a boy who can get you a goal at any time and in any way.”

Since returning to England, he has been rewarded with a new one-year contract by Manchester City and he will be hoping to prove himself at first team level in the coming months.