Elliott prepared to battle for place

Republic of Ireland striker Stephen Elliott knows a thing or two about securing promotion from the Championship and bids to repeat…

Republic of Ireland striker Stephen Elliott knows a thing or two about securing promotion from the Championship and bids to repeat the trick this season with new club Wolves.

The Dubliner was re-united with former Ireland manager Mick McCarthy after Sunderland boss Roy Keane yesterday sold the 23-year-old for a fee in the region of £1million.

Elliott, who signed a three-year deal, was plagued by back and ankle injuries last season as Sunderland took the Championship by storm under their new manager.

Despite regaining fitness his chances of featuring for Keane next season were reduced this past week following Michael Chopra's arrival at the Stadium of Light from Cardiff City.

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But Elliott has proved his worth in the Championship before and turning his back on the Premiership is not something he has dwelled on.

It was McCarthy who, as Sunderland manager, offered Elliott regular football three years ago and the striker is keen to repay the manager's faith in him once again.

"Having worked with Mick and Taff (Ian Evans) before, I thought this was a great opportunity to come and link up with them again," Elliott said.

"Mick initially took me from Manchester City to Sunderland so I know the way he works which always helps when you move to a new club.

"There were a few other clubs interested but when I knew Wolves had come in and I'd spoken to Mick, there was only one place that I wanted to go."

Elliott joined his new team-mates in Dublin last evening ahead of the 4-0 friendly win over Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds.

The locals were no match for the Championship side who scored four goals in an 18-minute second half blitz.

The difficulty Elliott faces in securing a role was highlighted by respective braces for strikers Freddy Eastwood and Jay Bothroyd.

With compatriots Andy Keogh and Stephen Ward also pushing for forward roles, Elliott is not underestimating the task at hand and, given the chance, hopes to impress against Bohemians on Sunday.

"I know it's going to be a battle for a place," he said.  "You wouldn't expect to come to a place like Wolves and not see good strikers here and that can only be good for the club..

"But I'm looking forward to training with the lads today and I will try and play a part on Sunday. I've been training with Sunderland and so I'm pretty much up to date with pre-season and the fitness will take care of itself."

Irishmen Keogh, Ward, Darren Potter, Gary Breen and Stephen Gleeson are among the 22-man squad touring Ireland this week.