Steve McClaren asked Rob Elliot to just “go out there and do what you do” after handing the goalkeeper his first start in 10 months against Norwich City, Newcastle United’s third-choice stopper has revealed.
Tim Krul suffered an anterior cruciate knee-ligament injury earlier this month, while Karl Darlow is still sidelined with an ankle problem, meaning Elliot was asked to deputise in goal during the 6-2 victory over the Canaries.
The 29-year-old Republic of Ireland international had not started a game since he was forced off at half-time of the 2-1 victory over Chelsea last December, but McClaren had not qualms about calling upon his third choice stopper.
“He (McClaren) just said: ‘Go out there and enjoy it. Do what you do.’ Which was nice,” Elliot revealed.
“He said he had no worries with me at all – no talks, no nothing, just go out and play.
“I’ve been quite lucky since I’ve been here (that) I’ve always been out of the team for a while, then played for a while, then been out of the team, maybe not for 10 months, but he was excellent with me so (I’m) just pleased to repay his faith.
“Hopefully I can carry on doing that.”