Newcastle United’s survival push was hampered this week by the sight of Rob Elliott being carried off the pitch on a stretcher amidst the Republic of Ireland’s draw with Slovakia.
After 14 minutes, Elliott went down and is now set to miss Newcastle’s title run in, as well as the Republic’s Euro 2016 campaign. His injury comes with first choice keeper Tim Krul already sidelined with a long-term knee injury obtained in October – ironically during international fixtures too.
In the duo’s absence will NOT be Steve Harper. The much-heralded serviceman of the North-East instead will have to watch as 25-year-old Karl Darlow pulls on the gloves for another taste of top flight football.
In previous years, he played a steady stream of games for Nottingham Forest in 2012 and upon his return to the City Ground in 2014 established himself as a first-choice stopper. Recently, he has been the benchwarmer as Elliott takes up a regular position between the posts for the first team. Now – it’s his turn.
Darlow has appeared for the Magpies once before. A 1-0 defeat against West Brom – significant for the goalkeeper because of a handling error that allowed the Baggies to steal the points.
Despite this, his colleagues are confident he can help keep Newcastle up during the final 8 games of the season. Tim Krul took to Twitter to assure the Northampton-born stopper he can do the business for the Magpies, whilst manager Rafael Benitez encouraged his players to deliver a ‘Vladimir Smicer’ style of impact.
Darlow’s first test of this effect will be a crunch match trip to Carrow Road against Norwich as per the Shields Gazette. As the Canaries sit just two places above the Magpies in 17th, this match will go a long way to deciding who flies and who falls between the pair; and Darlow may have a big say in such a fight.
