REPUBLIC of Ireland manager Brian Kerr has told Stephen Elliott that his international future will not hinge on what happens to Sunderland on their return to the Premiership.

Elliott, who is set for a run-out in the Republic's friendly against Italy at Lansdowne Road tonight, came on for the last ten minutes of Sunderland's 3-1 opening day reversal at the hands of Charlton Athletic on Saturday. But with the game already having drifted away from Mick McCarthy's men he had little opportunity to make an impact.

While Republic skipper Kenny Cunningham believes the 21-year-old can make the same sort of impact on the Premiership as Crystal Palace's Andy Johnson did last season, his international manager appears to be taking a more long-term approach to the question of whether he can make the grade.

"It's an important season for Stephen but not crucial for his international future," said Kerr ahead of today's game. "He had a sudden surge having been over age for the youth team at Manchester City, getting no games at all and then moving to Sunderland where he scored often.

"The Premiership will, of course, be a bigger challenge for him. It will also be tougher within the club as Sunderland have signed plenty of strikers and are still busy trying to get more players in.

"He's making steady progress as a forward player so it's not crucial that he makes an immediate impact."

Cunningham, however, believes Elliott can mix it with the best now.

"I really think Stephen could make a big impression in the Premiership this season," he said. "Stephen has impressed us all over the last six months. People talked about Andy Johnson and the way he exploded onto the scene last season, and I see Stephen in that category.

"He is the same type of player and has similar attributes. He is very strong physically and in terms of personality. He has a low centre of gravity, has quick feet, good movement, is a good finisher and I think he could have a big season for Sunderland. On the international scene he is certainly here to stay."

Meanwhile, Sunderland's Estonian goalkeeper Mart Poom saw action yesterday for only the second time since October when he injured his knee.

Poom played in a practice match last week and figured in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Hartlepool yesterday winning 2-1.

Former Everton centre-back Alan Stubbs. Stubbs did not feature on Saturday after missing part of pre-season, but he could make the squad for the trip to Liverpool on Saturday.

* Birmingham City striker Clinton Morrison has said he has not ruled out a move to Sunderland.

Morrison is expecting to be frozen out at St Andrews this season with Emile Heskey and Mikael Forssell likely to be automatic names on the team-sheet, and it appears he is trying to rekindle a move. Mick McCarthy was rumoured to be courting the 26-year-old during the close season, but interest has since cooled following the signings of strikers Jon Stead and Andy Gray.

"I've still not ruled out going to Sunderland because I have always said I would like to play for Mick again," said Morrison.

"It would have been brilliant to go to Sunderland when I heard they were interested, but my wages were a stumbling block at the time."

* Lawrie Sanchez has questioned the attitude of Sunderland full-back George McCartney, who says he has no wish to play for Northern Ireland while the former Wycombe boss is in charge.

McCartney, 25, would have missed the friendly against Malta today at the Ta'Qali Stadium through injury, but he informed Sanchez on Friday he was no longer willing to work with him .

Sanchez said: ''I am obviously disappointed with his comments and reaction.

''But everyone within this room knows the situation regarding George and his commitment, especially since I became manager. It was even mentioned before I took over.

''We wish him well, but I am more concerned about players who want to play for Northern Ireland.''

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