Sunderland striker Stephen Elliott has undergone surgery on his problem ankle after an injury-plagued season in the Premiership and is now ruled out of the Republic of Ireland's upcoming friendly against Chile.

He has withdrawn from Steve Staunton's squad for the match on May 24th but Sunderland expect he will be fit again in four weeks' time.

Injuries to his back, hamstring, Achilles and ankle restricted Elliott to just 15 league appearances, in which he scored twice, as Sunderland lasted only one year in the top flight.

The 22-year-old's most recent appearance for the Black Cats came in the March 11th home defeat by Wigan.