The Magpies stopper has been awarded a new four-year contract.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has told the club’s official website that Rob Elliot’s new four-year contract shows the club’s confidence in him being an important goalkeeper for the club now and into the future.
Elliot was awarded new terms at St. James’ Park on Wednesday after an impressive season last term in which he made 21 appearances in the Premier League whilst deputising for former number one Tim Krul.
His fine form was cut short in March with a season-ending injury which also cruelly ruled him out of the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2016 campaign.
In his absence, Karl Darlow impressed in the final weeks of the campaign despite the club’s relegation, and Benitez signed Belgian ‘keeper Matz Sels, with the new arrival having played all five Championship games so far this season.
However, Elliot has been awarded a new contract and with Krul loaned out for the season to Ajax, Benitez explained that his belief that the 30-year-old can still play a big role was central to the decision to extent his stay.
The Spanish boss told nufc.co.uk: “I’m really pleased that Rob has signed a new contract with the club.
“It shows our confidence in him as a goalkeeper for now and for the future. Hopefully he will be challenging for the goalkeeper position again very soon.”
Elliot is hoping to return to action by the end of next month, and it remains to be seen how big a role he will play for the Tyneside club for the remainder of the season.
He will have to work hard to dislodge Sels, but Benitez’s comments seem to show that Elliot is firmly in his plans for the future.
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