Elliot unfazed by goalkeeper speculation

Newcastle goalkeeper Rob Elliot accepts he has a fight on his hands to prove himself as Rafa Benitez’s No 1.

The Republic of Ireland international Elliot missed most of last season undergoing rehab on the cruciate knee ligament injurythat ruled him out of Euro 2016, but returned to play in Newcastle's final three games of the season. 

Benitez has already hinted that the 31-year-old will start in goal for Newcastle's Premier League opener against Tottenham on 13 August, but the Spaniard has also made clear that he intends to sign a new keeper before the transfer window shuts on 31 August.

Elliot, Karl Darlow and Freddie Woodman have all featured so far in pre-season for Newcastle, but Tim Krul was left out of Benitez's squad for last week’s training camp in Ireland amid speculation that he is set to move back to his native Netherlands.

"I can't comment on everyone else's situation, but you do need to have three keepers, and he obviously wants to bring one in, which happens at every club," he said.

"It doesn’t change the way I feel. I've got to keep working hard and prove myself. I've been here a long time and always backed myself.

"Hopefully, I can get the nod and start playing the way I did towards the back end of last season and the Premier League season before that."

Elliot hopes a successful club season with Newcastle will help him put pressure on first-choice Ireland goalkeeper Darren Randolph, who will be playing in the Championship this season with Middlesbrough.

"There is a World Cup at the end of the year and the lads are in a great position in the group and I want to be a part of it," he continued.

"But one comes with the other – if I don't do well for Newcastle, then I'm not going to do well for Ireland.

"I've got to prove myself again but I've always backed myself and I feel physically and mentally stronger for the injury.

"The [2018] World Cup [in Russia] is a carrot, for sure. I went to the Euros with my friends because I wanted to be part of an atmosphere like that, especially to be in with the fans.

"I always think it’s a privilege to play for your country, you never want to take that for granted. Next time, I want to be part of it on the pitch."

Image: Getty Images/ Clive Mason

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