WITH the feelgood factor from Saturday's win at West Brom refusing to fade, Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy had more reason to smile last night after Stephen Elliott stepped up his return to fitness.

After scoring 16 goals as the Black Cats clinched the Championship title last season, Elliott was expected to make a significant impact in the Premiership.

But, after netting in successive games against Manchester United and Newcastle in October, the Republic of Ireland international was stricken by a serious back problem that threatened to end his season.

A pain-killing injection in his spine failed to eradicate the problem but, rather than resorting to an operation that would have sidelined him for months, Sunderland's medical staff recommended a period of rest and recuperation.

That seems to have done the trick, with Elliott returning to light training on Saturday and continuing his recovery at the Academy of Light yesterday.

A first-team return remains at least a fortnight away but, while he is refusing to take any risks with one of his most potent attacking weapons, McCarthy admits a fully-fit Elliott would be a valuable asset as he attempts to plot a Premiership escape act.

"He's an important player and we would like to see him back playing again," said the Black Cats boss. "But there's no point for his long-term future in trying to rush him back.

"I have never done that anyway. You don't get good performances from them and you don't get any thanks for doing it. Players want to play and, as soon as he is fit, he will be busting a gut to get back in the team.

"It's been a problem with his spine. He had an injection which didn't work and he could have been put in a plaster cast, but that wasn't really suitable because his muscles would have wasted if he was in that for four to six weeks.

"The other option was an operation, but the first port of call was to treat it conservatively and give him rest. He's a young lad and there's a lot of football in him. If he stays pain free, it will take him a couple of weeks to get fit."

By that stage, Sunderland should already have another of their injury-plagued strikers back in the first team.

Kevin Kyle, who has not figured in the senior side since August 2004, will attempt to complete the full 90 minutes of this evening's reserve game with Blackburn.

Provided there are no unforeseen problems, the Scotland international will then be named in the squad that travels to Brentford for Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round tie.

Full-back Stephen Wright will also make his comeback at Durham's Archibald Stadium tomorrow. The former Liverpool defender has played just once this season - in the opening-day defeat to Charlton - because of a combination of knee and thigh problems.

Meanwhile, West Ham defender Clive Clarke has claimed McCarthy has made a second unsuccessful attempt to secure his signature.

The Irish defender, who came close to joining the Black Cats last summer, has made just one appearance for the Hammers since leaving Stoke in July.

"Sunderland have inquired about my availability," said Clarke. "But they were told that I wasn't for sale.

"Six Championship clubs have also come in for me and asked to take me on loan, but all of them have been turned down."

* Goalkeeper Joe Murphy has returned to Sunderland after completing a loan spell at Walsall. The former West Brom stopper made 16 appearances in a three-month spell at the Bescot Stadium.

* Veteran goalkeeper Mart Poom has completed a permanent move to Arsenal after proving his worth while on loan from Sunderland.

Poom has yet to play for the Arsenal first team, but has featured four times for the reserves this season.

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