Elliott can impress on big stage - Cunningham

Republic of Ireland captain Kenny Cunningham is backing Stephen Elliott to follow in the footsteps of Andrew Johnson and become a hit in the Barclays Premiership this season.

With Ireland’s all-time leading scorer Robbie Keane out of tomorrow’s friendly against Italy at Lansdowne Road with an ankle injury, Sunderland striker Elliott will win his fourth cap in starting alongside Clinton Morrison.