Elliott praised as Sunderland run continues

MICK McCARTHY saluted Stephen Elliott after a revitalised Sunderland stretched their unbeaten run with a 1-1 draw against West Ham at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Republic of Ireland striker Elliott was singled out by McCarthy on what proved a frustrating day for his side, who led through Tommy Miller’s stroke-of-half-time goal before Yossi Benayoun’s 72nd-minute equaliser.

McCarthy paid Manchester City an initial £125,000 for the 21-year-old Dubliner at a transfer tribunal in 2004 and his 15 goals helped fire the Black Cats to the Championship title.

He has broken into the senior Republic ranks since moving clubs and McCarthy said: “He’s played ever so well, certainly in the last two games. I think he looks fitter and stronger and he caused problems for West Ham’s back four. He’s been unfortunate not to have got a goal this season.”