Elliot relishes run in first team

Goalkeeper Rob Elliot has admitted that he now finally feels a part of the Newcastle United family following his sustained run in the first team.

Speaking to Shields Gazette ahead of the club’s FA Cup tie against Watford at Vicarage Road tomorrow, the Ireland international believes that his patience has paid off:

It’s obviously great to be playing – to play for Newcastle in the Premier League is massive.To play in this run of games, and hopefully contribute to helping the team, is great.Not just being a stand-in, being able to develop into a keeper that’s helping the team and being a big part of it.That’s all I want, really. I just want to play for Newcastle as many times as possible and just enjoy it because it’s an amazing club.

Originally signed from Charlton Athletic in 2011, the 29-year-old Euro 2016 hopeful was finally been awarded his chance in the number one spot in October after regular starter Tim Krul suffered a season-ending injury whilst on international duty with Holland.

And Elliot has wasted no time in looking to make the jersey his own after rival goalkeeper Karl Darlow has also been given an opportunity to impress between the sticks:

It’s something that I’ve wanted for a long time. I’ve had to be really patient – three years sitting on the sidelines – but I think maybe that’s helped me now I’ve got my chance.I said I needed a run in the team – I didn’t just need one game. It’s 10 or 11 (games) now, and hopefully I can keep on getting better to help the team.When you’re not a part of the team, you don’t always feel a part of it. So personally for me, it’s just great to be playing, and hopefully I can help us climb the table and get some success.

And with his eyes now on the second half of the season, Elliot is hoping he can make a large contribution towards the club’s Premier League survival.