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Opportunity

Ireland's Rob Elliot set for prolonged stint between the sticks at Newcastle

Tim Krul’s ankle injury could rule him out for as many as five games.

AN INJURY TO first-choice goalkeeper Tim Krul means that Republic of Ireland international Rob Elliot will continue as Newcastle’s net-minder for the foreseeable future.

Magpies’ boss Alan Pardew revealed the Dutchman’s ankle problem will see him miss the next ‘four or five games’ and ensures Elliot, who deputised in yesterday’s 1-0 defeat to West Ham, will continue between the sticks.

In the aftermath of the loss, Pardew commented:

Rob Elliot will be in goal for the next four or five games. … It’s been blow after blow this year, but we’ve rode them, and that’s been the key to our success. We’ve put younger players in and those in the group. We lose Tim, but Rob’s produced a super performance.”

Elliot couldn’t prevent Newcastle from falling to their first defeat since late-September though with Aaron Cresswell grabbing what proved the game-winning goal after 56 minutes.

Soccer - Capital One Cup - Third Round - Manchester United v Newcastle United - Old Trafford Rob Elliot's first-team chances have been limited in the last 18 months but now he can expect a litany of high-profile assignments. Neal Simpson / EMPICS Sport Neal Simpson / EMPICS Sport / EMPICS Sport

It was the 28 year-old’s first league appearance of the season but can now look forward to being involved in a litany of high-profile fixtures.

In the coming weeks, Newcastle take on league-leaders Chelsea, visit Arsenal at the Emirates, clash with Tottenham in the League Cup, host Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby and travel to Old Trafford on Boxing Day.

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