CARL Robinson has tipped Stephen Elliott to become 'the new Robbie Keane' after watching the youngster open his Sunderland account in Tuesday night's 3-1 win over Crewe.

Elliott, who became Mick McCarthy's first summer signing when he left Manchester City in June, grew more impressive with every game of Sunderland's packed pre-season schedule.

He failed to make an impact at Coventry on the opening day, but marked his arrival at the Stadium of Light in emphatic fashion after replacing Marcus Stewart in the 75th minute of Tuesday's win.

There was still plenty to do when he raced onto Stephen Wright's quick throw in but, after ghosting inside full-back Anthony Tonkin, the youngster casually beat goalkeeper Ben Williams with a coolness that betrayed his tender years.

Robinson knows all about young strikers after watching Keane's development at Wolves at close quarters.

And the Sunderland midfielder is confident Elliott has what it takes to emulate a player who has commanded a combined transfer fee of £38m during his seven years in the game.

"Stephen's a pest," said Robinson, who also scored his first goal of the season against Crewe. "I've said to him all pre-season that he reminds me of my friend Robbie Keane at Tottenham.

"They're similar in the way they play and they're both Irish boys as well.

"Stephen's the total opposite to Kyler (Kevin Kyle). He's small, he's nippy and he likes to get involved in the play in and around the box.

"He puts his foot in which is important, because he's not a great size and he's going to come up against some big centre-halves this year."

Elliott spearheaded Sunderland's youth recruitment drive this summer and, with 22-year-old Liam Lawrence and 23-year-old Stephen Caldwell also featuring this week, the average age of the Black Cats side has dropped considerably from last season.

Mark Lynch and Dean Whitehead are also ready to make their mark on the first-team squad and, while they are having to be content with a place on the bench at the moment, Robinson is convinced they will be needed over the next nine months.

"It's not just about 11 players," said the Wales international. "It's about a squad of 20 players.

"There's a lot of ability in the squad. You don't like to think too far ahead, but it could be a fantastic season. The squad's very young, but the ability's there.

"The younger lads will get their chance along the line. It's important they keep the right frame of mind because, during the season we will get injuries and suspensions.

"It's important that the lads who come in do their part, because it's not 11 players who are going to get us promoted, it's going to be 20 or 22."

McCarthy has already signed six players this summer, but his squad strengthening is not finished yet.

The Black Cats are close to coming to an agreement with Scottish side Dumbarton that will see 20-year-old centre-half Neil Collins move to the Stadium of Light.

The youngster has also trialled with Charlton this summer, but McCarthy is understood to have offered him a one-year deal.

The Black Cats boss has also been casting his eye over French trialist Juliene Poueys this week as he attempts to strengthen his striking ranks following the departures of both Darren Byfield and Tommy Smith. The 25-year-old spent last season with French side Sedan, but struggled to make the grade after a previously successful spell with Swiss outfit Sion.

At six foot four he would offer valuable cover to target man Kevin Kyle, with McCarthy still concerned at the Scotland international's niggling hip problem.

Full-back Dean Gordon has also been training with the Black Cats, and the 31-year-old enjoyed a 90-minute run out for the reserves in Wednesday night's 3-0 defeat to Birmingham.

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