Elliott, signed from Glentoran for �100,000 in July, scored twice for Motherwell in his first full game in the Scottish Premier League against Kilmarnock.

Elliott takes the place of Jeff Whitley who steps down to captain the Under-21s.

Belfast boy Elliott has made three Under 21 appearances for Northern Ireland.

"I am absolutely ecstatic. There is no greater honour than representing your country," said 22-year-old Elliott.

"The fact that it is a competitive game makes it even more special.

"Hopefully, I can do well and push for a place but just to be involved is great.

"I was very happy at Glentoran, but everybody there knew it was my ambition to go full time.

"I always had belief that I could do it at this level."

No places

Manager Sammy McIlroy has named a 20-man squad for the opening Group Three qualifying match against Malta at Windsor Park, Belfast, on September 2.

The Premiership trio who sparked controversy by pulling out of last week's friendly against Yugoslavia are all named in the panel.

Neil Lennon and Gerry Taggart of Leicester, plus West Ham's Steve Lomas, all withdrew from McIlroy's squad last week because of injury. But all played for their clubs in the FA Carling Premiership just three days after missing the 2-1 defeat against the Yugoslavs in Belfast.

McIlroy insisted there was no ill feeling following the club v country row.

"I have spoken to all three boys and they assured me they were injured and that it would be touch and go if they could play for their clubs at the weekend," said McIlroy.