Senior Newcastle star should depart in the summer for good of his career
COMMENT By Will Butcher
Rob Elliot should seriously consider ending his six-year stay with Newcastle in the summer as he remains as back-up to Karl Darlow.
The 30-year-old star has now recovered from a long-term knee injury that has kept him sidelined since March 2016, but he is yet to make a first-team appearance since his return.
Former Charlton stopper Elliot picked up the problem during a friendly for Ireland against Slovakia, which prevented him from representing his country at Euro 2016.
The Daily Mail claimed back in January that the four-time Ireland international was interesting Rotherham, Wigan and Cardiff, but a move failed to materialise.
With goalkeepers Matz Sels and Karl Darlow also vying for a first-team slot, it looks unlikely that manager Rafa Benitez will hand Elliot a first-team opportunity in the near future.
Darlow has been in fine form between the sticks for the Toon this season, while Sels was brought to St. James’ Park in the summer and will be favoured by Benitez as one of his own signings.
Holland international Tim Krul is also set to return to Tyneside at the end of the season, while Benitez will be keen to keep highly-rated youngster Freddie Woodman.
With massive competition staring Elliot in the face, joining a club that can offer him regular game time could prove vital at this stage in his career.
Now in his thirties, Elliot must look to move despite recently signing a new contract, in order to gain regular first-team football and prolong his career at the highest level.
In other Newcastle transfer news, these three players are expected to leave the Toon in the summer.
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