Stephen Elliot returns to the League of Ireland with Drogheda

Drogheda United have today announced the signing of former Republic of Ireland striker Stephen Elliott. 

Elliott joined the youth academy at Manchester City following spells at Belvedere and Stella Maris, making his professional debut under Kevin Keegan as a substitute against Bolton Wanderers in February 2004.  

However, a serious back injury meant Elliott make just one more appearance before moving to Mick McCarthy's Sunderland. Elliott would go on to make 88 appearances for Sunderland, scoring 23 goals.  

It was during his time at Sunderland that Elliott was called up to the Ireland squad, making his debut in a 1-0 victory over Croatia at Lansdowne Road. He would go on to earn nine caps for Ireland, scoring the winner against Cyprus in a World Cup qualifier in October 2005.  

Elliott joined up with former boss Mick McCarthy at Wolverhampton Wanderers in July of 2007 before signing for Preston North End in September of the following year and then moving to Norwich City on an emergency loan deal in 2010.  

The forward then had spells at Hearts, Coventry City and Carlisle United before returning to Ireland to sign for Shelbourne in 2016. However, Elliott made just six appearances for Shels' before parting the club by mutual consent. 

Speaking to the club's official website, Drogheda manager Pete Mahon said the former international has succeeded his expectations in the weeks he has been training with the club.  

“Stephen will add to our attacking options and although he has played in the Premier League and has represented his country, he has succeeded my expectations as a player.

“He still has the hunger to score goals and he was very impressed with what he has seen at the club to date.

“We are extremely happy with the squad we have assembled and the players have put a tremendous effort in and are looking forward to getting games under their belts.”