Former Ireland international signs for Shelbourne and we’re stunned he’s so young

Stephen Elliott is back and targeting a first team return after almost two years.

The former Manchester City, Wolves and Sunderland striker spent an extended spell on the sidelines after rupturing his Achilles tendon while at Carlisle United. He had been training with Shamrock Rovers will he regained full fitness but Shelbourne have signed him up and offered game-time in the SSE Airtricity First Division. Elliott is still only 32 years old so he will be hoping to stay fit in the coming months and re-locate his goalscoring instincts. His Premier League debut was 12 years ago, when Kevin Keegan brought him on in a 3-1 win over Bolton. The Dubliner has played nine times for Ireland but, remarkably, his last cap was back in 2006. He playing up front in international games against Croatia, Germany and the Netherlands. His sole strike for his country earned three points as Ireland beat Cyprus in a World Cup qualifier in 2005. Elliott, a former schoolboy footballer with Belvedere and Stella Maris, has also had spells at Preston North End, Norwich City, Coventry City, Hearts and, most recently, Carlisle United. His transfer is subject to international clearance so he will not feature in tonight's away trip to Waterford.