"I can't wait for the Sunderland now," the Geordie Boy said, celebrating his goalscoring comeback at Norwich and rubbing his hands in anticipation of Sunday's Reebok clash of the Division One heavyweights.

"Ever since the fixtures came out, the date has been ingrained in my mind."

Newcastle born and bred, Elliott retains the sense of rivalry he grew up with, despite quitting the Mapies two summers ago when he made his £2.5 million move to the Reebok.

Tragedy followed when he broke his leg on his home debut against Everton on that historic first night at the new stadium on September 1 last year. But he put the agony behind him when he crowned his comeback with a stunning goal to send Wanderers on their way to a dramatic third round Worthington Cup triumph over former boss Bruce Rioch's Canaries.

Elliott proved not only his determination but also his versatility, having signed initially as a full-back but playing an influential role on the left of midfield in place of the injured Ricardo Gardner.

The Jamaican winger's hamstring injury will keep him out of the Sunderland game, paving the way for Elliott to keep his place for a game he describes as "massive".

"We can go into Sunday's match with our heads held high after last night's performance," the 25-year-old former England U-21 star said confidently.

"I know the gaffer signed me as a full-back but at the end of my last season at Newcastle I scored seven in 16 from midfield. Another run like that would do me nicely.

"I only played in one derby between Newcastle and Sunderland. It was at Roker Park when we had no away fans. I gave away a penalty but we still won!"

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