IN ACADEMIA, historians often discuss 'what if' or alternative historical scenarios with their students and peers.

In essence, what would have been the consequences had Napoleon won the Battle of Waterloo; Britain not cracked the Enigma code in World War II and Julius Caesar not crossed over the Rubicon?

This strand of history could easily be applied to Sunderland striker Stephen Elliott. What would have happened to Elliott had boss Mick McCarthy signed David Connolly, or had he stayed at Manchester City?

Whether the 20-year-old striker would have been playing for Sunderland's reserves against Bishop Auckland on Tuesday night or City's second XI versus Leeds, instead of making his international debut for the Republic of Ireland in Dublin, is open to conjecture.

But the Wearsiders' Connolly loss is Elliott's gain and the former City man has been in sparkling form since he arrived in the summer and has netted eight times in 12 games in the process.

The Black Cats' striker played all but five minutes of last night's 1-0 victory against Croatia at Landsdowne Road.

Elliott made up a front three alongside goalscorer Robbie Keane and Damien Duff, before making way for Coventry City's Graham Barrett in the 85th minute.

Sunderland skipper Gary Breen also played against the Balkans' side in his first game for the Irish in 13 months.

Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr hailed the performance of his debutante after asking the young striker to play slightly out of position.

He said: "He wasn't overawed and I felt he adapted very well, particularly because he was not playing in his natural up-front position.

"It was arguably the smallest forward line Ireland have fielded in an international, and for the first 15 to 20 minutes it was difficult for everyone because we struggled to get the ball down and pass it.

"Stephen was further out in the first half than I would have liked, but having played in that position in the under-age teams he understands the responsibility.

"He used the ball well, made some very perceptive passes, and in the second half I thought he looked a real threat. His control, passing and ability to use his body was very satisfactory for a 20-year-old."

Elliott is now hoping he has done enough to show the Irish boss he is worth a place in the squad for the next game against Portugal on February 9, before the World Cup qualifiers the following month.

If the Dublin-born striker continues his impressive club form there is no reason why he can't remain a permanent fixture in the Irish camp.

"I doubt very much this would have happened if I'd still been at City,'' said a disbelieving Elliott.

"I learned a lot when I was at City, but I'm not going to look back with any regrets. You can't afford to do that. You have to look forward to the future.

"It's been a good move for me so far, and hopefully it proves to be in the long run as well."

As a result of Elliott's first senior cap, Sunderland will now have to pay Manchester City a further £50,000 - a condition set by a football tribunal which instructed the Black Cats to pay an initial £125,000 for the striker.

Leeds manager Kevin Blackwell is hoping to hang on to on-loan Sunderland winger John Oster for as long as possible.

The Wales' international has been told he has no future on Wearside but a change of environment appears to have recharged the 25-year-old's batteries and given Leeds some much-needed width since his arrival in west Yorkshire.

Blackwell said: "In the same way I had hoped to keep Brett Ormerod here, I would like to extend Oster's loan on a month-by-month basis.

Meanwhile, Stockport winger Andy Welsh is training with Sunderland ahead of Sunday's game against Ipswich. McCarthy has asked his club's permission to let Welsh train with the Black Cats for the remainder of the week.

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