HARTLEPOOL United defender Robbie Elliott last night backed fellow Geordie Michael Chopra to become a massive success at Sunderland.

Chopra will become one of the few players to have represented both Newcastle and Sunderland when he completes a £5m move from Cardiff later today, and Elliott knows exactly what he will have to go through when he pulls on the red-and-white stripes later this month.

Gosforth-born Elliott had made more than 180 appearances for the Magpies when he made a surprise switch to Sunderland last summer, but he was still welcomed with open arms as he made eight starts for the Black Cats at the start of last season.

As a result, he feels that fears of a Wearside backlash against Chopra have been exaggerated, and is confident that his former Magpies team-mate is mature enough to shrug off any criticism that might come his way.

"Playing for Sunderland was never a problem for me, and I have to thank the supporters at both clubs for that," said Elliott, who will make his Pools debut in a pre-season friendly against Newcastle next Tuesday night. "I had no stick or bother from either side and I hope it's the same for Michael.

"It might be a little bit different for him because he's a striker who has cost £5m, but I guess is depends on whether he starts well and scores goals. I hope he does and I hope it works out."

Chopra's biggest test is likely to come when Sunderland entertain Newcastle in next season's first Tyne-Wear derby on November 10.

The former England Under-21 international scored for the Magpies when they last visited the Stadium of Light, and Elliott admits that his task was made easier by the fact that Sunderland and Newcastle were in different divisions when he moved to Wearside.

"I was fortunate in a certain respect in that the clubs were in different divisions when I was at Sunderland," he said. "I never had to face Newcastle, but Michael will.

"That might be a bit touchy, but Michael's a sensible lad and I'm sure he will keep his head down and make a success of it.

"There will be pressure on him, but I'm sure he can handle it. I'm sure he's going there for the right reasons and I'm sure he will score goals."

Elliott was joined at Victoria Park yesterday by former Leeds United team-mate Ian Moore. The striker was, like Elliott, released from Elland Road at the end of last season.

Moore, son of Tranmere boss Ronnie, has been transferred for a total of £2.85 million during his career, twice moving for a million pounds.