NEW signing Stephen Elliott was last night challenged by Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy to keep banging in the goals.

Elliott will officially arrive on Wearside on July 1 when his contract with Manchester City has expired.

McCarthy is convinced the capture of the 20-year-old will boost Sunderland's bid for promotion to the Premiership next season.

Elliott only made his City debut on February 21 at Bolton but he scored 11 goals in 15 reserve team appearances last season.

A delighted McCarthy said: "I'm excited about Stephen. He's a great young prospect who has scored goals at every level. I'm delighted he'll be joining us and confident he'll be a great addition to our side."

The City forward, who has seven under-21 caps for the Republic of Ireland to his name, will provide vital competition for places in the final third.

McCarthy already has Kevin Kyle and Marcus Stewart at the club and there are negotiations with Tommy Smith and Darren Byfield over new contracts.

Elliott can't wait to play at the Stadium of Light and the Dubliner insists he jumped at the chance to sign the three-year deal.

"With my contract about to expire at Manchester City, I had various options presented to me but when I heard about Sunderland's interest, I was thrilled," said Elliott.

"The prospect of joining Sunderland is very exciting and I am looking forward to having the opportunity to work with Mick McCarthy."

Elliott has become the second player to put pen to paper at Sunderland this week after teenage midfielder Richie Ryan signed new terms at the club.

Ryan, who made his Premiership debut as a substitute in the 1-0 defeat by Newcastle in April 2003, has signed a 12 month contract.

The 19-year-old was troubled with a hip injury last season but McCarthy has given him the chance to prove his worth again when the Coca-Cola League kicks-off in August.

''Playing for Sunderland has been really good for me,'' Ryan said. ''I joined as a schoolboy three years ago and my football has improved massively since.

''Mick McCarthy handed me my debut before I got injured, so he's seen what I can do. He is the best manager I've played under, he has a lot of experience and I'm sure I can learn a great deal from him.

''Personally, I've had a great time at the club and I'm really pleased to have been given another year.''

McCarthy also has Jeff Whitley, John Oster and Neil Teggart in talks over new terms as he looks to rebuild after releasing a number of players - including Jason McAteer, Joachim Bjorklund, Phil Babb and Paul Thirlwell.

l Sunderland goalkeeper Michael Ingham has dislocated a finger whilst on duty with Northern Ireland.

Ingham, training ahead of the match against St Kitts & Nevis at Warner Park in Bassetterre, was trying to save shots taken by goalkeeping coach David Beasant, when he stretched to parry the ball and injured himself.

Ingham was immediately taken to hospital for an X-ray but it seems highly unlikely he will feature in the game today.

''We have to wait and see whether or not he will take any part,'' said manager Lawrie Sanchez.