Mick McCarthy has called on supporters to get behind Stephen Elliott.

The striker - who has scored four goals in 11 starts this season - has come in for criticism from some quarters.

His appearance as a substitute for Andy Keogh in the Sheffield United match was greeted with a chorus of disapporoval, and has prompted the boss to make an appeal to fans.

He said: "I'm not sure it was all aimed at Stephen, or a reaction to the fact that Andy was coming off - because they (fans) were not aware of his chest infection. Or maybe the fact that it wasn't Freddy going on.

"But when you are the player coming on, and there's moans and groans, it does have an adverse effect.

"If we are not careful we'll be a man down - and a good one.

"I've seen it happen at other clubs and I never thought I would see it here - not after last season and the support we had even when we were 6-0 down to Southampton.

"I sincerely hope he doesn't turn out to be a scapegoat. I've really felt for him. I hope it doesn't continue because it will affect him."