Sleeves To Leave?

Stephen Elliott joined Sunderland from Manchester City in 2004, but spent the majority of last season out with a back problem. Since he has regained his fitness, he has spent most of this season out of position on the right wing. After the apparent falling out between Lawrence and Keane, seeing Lawrence going to Stoke on loan then later signing a permanent deal.

With the new signings of right winger Carlos Edwards and striker Anthony Stokes brought in, also David Connolly being Sunderland's top scorer so far this season, Elliott may find it difficult to break into the first team.

With Birmingham being top of the Championship and walking all over a very poor Newcastle team, beating them 5-1 in the FA cup could be a temptation to Elliott.