HOTSHOT striker Stephen Elliott has admitted that his Sunderland career has exceeded every expectation - including his own.

The 20-year-old frontman was expected to play a peripheral role in the opening three months of the season after making a summer move from Manchester City.

Instead, Elliott has started 11 league games in the absence of the injured Kevin Kyle and weighed in with eight goals as the Black Cats have recovered from a poor start to climb to third in the Championship table.

The youngster failed to make an impact at the City of Manchester Stadium, despite breaking into the Republic of Ireland's Under-21 side and scoring a host of goals at reserve level.

But, after Mick McCarthy swooped in the summer, he has stepped up in style to become one of the Championship's leading marksmen.

"It's going a lot better than I expected," admitted Elliott, who was watched by senior Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr as he scored in Sunderland's 3-1 win over Wolves on Tuesday night.

"When I first came here, I didn't think I would have scored eight goals by this stage. I'm delighted with the way it is going.

"At first, I was just happy to be in the squad and looking to come on as a substitute.

"Now I feel part of the team. I look forward to every game and I have a lot more confidence in myself.

"With the players we have here, you have to keep doing the business or the manager will change it.

"Having good players around you keeps you on your toes, it helps you to do a good job."

Elliott's progress was underlined by the sublime second-half strike that fired the Black Cats into the lead on Tuesday.

Standing with his back to goal, the youngster nonchalantly knocked the ball into the air before lashing an unstoppable half-volley past Wolves goalkeeper Michael Oakes.

The goal split two equally impressive strikes from fellow summer signing Liam Lawrence and, after a slow start, the former Mansfield midfielder is also coming to terms with his new surroundings.

"Liam has been brilliant," said Elliott. "He has come into the team and scored three goals in the last two games. I have been delighted for him.

"He had a difficult start here. He got himself into the team at the start of the season but didn't play to the best of his ability.

"Now he has won back his place and he is doing really well. The fans seem to have taken to him, and his good form can only help my own game."

Elliott is an early injury doubt ahead of tomorrow's trip to Millwall after picking up a foot injury in Tuesday's win.

McCarthy is also sweating on the fitness of skipper Gary Breen and right back Stephen Wright after they also suffered knocks against Wolves.

* Takeover talk was in the air at Elland Road - but Leeds were overtaken by Burnley last night, despite making a lightning start.

Jermaine Wright scored after only 12 seconds to put Leeds in front. But a Clarke Carlisle error handed the Clarets an equaliser through Lee Roche, and on-loan Richard Duffy turned in a rebound for what proved to be the winner after half-an-hour.

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