STEPHEN ELLIOTT'S return to the Sunderland side could be watched by a few extra supporters after making new friends on their tour of North America.

The Black Cats' first game in the United States - having played two in Canada - will be against the Seattle Sounders at the Qwest Stadium in the early hours of tomorrow morning British time.

And Elliott has overcome the virus that kept him out of the weekend defeat to the Vancouver Whitecaps in time to face the Sounders.

The Republic of Ireland striker played a part in a practice game with a local university side in Canada on Monday, before the squad crossed the border in preparation for their match in Seattle.

Elliott is likely to come in as a replacement for £1.8m buy Jon Stead, who is nursing a knee injury. "Jon is just feeling it and whether he is involved we don't know. It's normal to get little injuries at this time because they are playing on hard ground," said manager Mick McCarthy.

Elliott's inclusion is likely to be backed by a 100-strong contingent of Sunderland fans that is sure to include a group from the Trinity West University that provided the opposition on Monday.

The TWU Spartans, whose ground has been used as the training base for Sunderland in Canada, had the nerve to ask McCarthy for a match.

And the Sunderland boss accepted, allowing his squad to play a 40-minute game with the Spartans to help with pre-season fitness.

Coach Alan Alderson was surprised and delighted when McCarthy agreed to the game. "I think Sunderland have a few more fans on board. I for one can't wait to get myself decked out in a Sunderland jersey and we'll be following their results," said Alderson, whose side lost 1-0 to a Matt Piper header.

"For my boys to get to play against Sunderland from the English Premier League is great. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity. We're ecstatic about it."

McCarthy also explained his reasons for playing the Spartans. "It was a good game. Whatever we do on the training ground doesn't beat that - competing against someone else in a game situation."

Sunderland have been linked with a £1m move for Liverpool's England Under-21 midfielder John Welsh.

McCarthy has already signed Tommy Miller from Ipswich this summer and is already well stocked for players in the middle of the pitch.

But it has been claimed that McCarthy - also seeking another striker and a full-back - is keen to add further competition to his ranks before the start of the campaign on August 13.

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