HAROLD Wilson once famously said "A week is a long time in politics". The same could be applied to Stephen Elliott's last seven days as a footballer.

The 21-year-old striker endured a rollercoster of emotions last week, which has left a bittersweet taste.

He shared the delight of scoring a first goal for his country and opening his club account in the Premiership; with the despair of the Republic of Ireland's exit in the World Cup qualifiers and Sunderland's defeat to Manchester United.

Elliott was happy to get on the goal trail once more despite the disappointment of recent results for both club and country.

The striker had gone ten games this season - 12 if you include last term - without netting. But he insisted he always believed he could score at the highest level.

"I have confidence in my own ability and whenever I have made the step up," said Elliott, whose curling left foot shot from the edge of the area on Saturday was his first Black Cats' goal in six months.

"I have always believed I could score goals and that has not changed. I just had to keep faith; work hard and hoped one would go in. Hopefully I'll get a few more now.

"I felt lately I have been working hard, like we all have as a team. Obviously I haven't been scoring but I haven't been too down. It is pointless doing that because your confidence only suffers. But I was happy to get off the mark even though we lost."

Elliott revealed occasional flashes of last season's form against United on Saturday but sporadic pockets of indecision tempered these acts of cunning.

In the opening minute he bewildered Mikael Silvestre in the final third by pushing the ball one way and confusing the defender; much to the French international's annoyance.

But his decision to pass when provided with a perfect opportunity to score - a minute before the visitors took the lead - highlighted a striker lacking in confidence; something Elliott acknowledged.

"If I had been flying high in confidence I may have had a shot instead," said Mick McCarthy's £125,000 signing from Manchester City.

"The gaffer said maybe last year I would have shot which is probably right. I thought I was a bit wide at the time but that is gone now and I don't want to think about what might have happened."

Elliott's brilliant strike eight minutes from the end dragged the Black Cats back into the clash against Sir Alex Ferguson's men and ensured a dramatic finale as they pushed for an equaliser.

A free-kick on the 18-yard box provided an ideal to opportunity to level.

Unfortunately, Sunderland nemesis, goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, impressively saved Anthony Le Tallec's set piece and the chance went begging when Elliott failed to convert the rebound.

He said: "The keeper made a good save and when I've gone in for the rebound the angle was too tight, and then they have gone and scored (the third).

"It could have been different but Manchester United sit back and soak up the pressure before hitting you on the break very quick which is hard to deal with."

United were far from their fluent best but they fleetingly revealed, inspired by Wayne Rooney, why it would be dangerous to dismiss their title aspirations.

Elliott subscribed to this standpoint and although he confessed to being a big admirer of Ferguson's team, he believes Jose Mourinho's Chelsea will retain the Premier League title.

"I don't think Chelsea will be caught," said Elliott.