Rob's Raring To Go

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Journalist

Rob Elliot plans to keep things nice and simple as he gets set to make his Newcastle United debut on Tuesday night against Nottingham Forest,

Elliot is expected to start in goal at the City Ground for the Carling Cup third round clash, as Magpies boss Alan Pardew shuffles his pack to give players much-needed game time.

The keeper is one of those who will benefit from the changes, and Elliot is hoping to play his part in putting United one step closer to Wembley.

"If I get the chance then I want to go and be reliable and help us get through to the next round," he told nufc.co.uk.

"All you can do as a keeper is be consistent, safe and make the saves you have to make. The best keepers get the simple things right and that's what I've tried to always do. Once you get the simple things right then the rest will take care of itself.

"You need a bit of luck in the Carling Cup, maybe with the right draws, but we've already proved this year that we can play anyone and be a match for them.

"It's a challenge and a great opportunity for lads who haven't been in the first team to shine. And sometimes that works in your favour because you've got players who want to show the manager what they can do and are really hungry to impress."

Elliot has only been in the North-East for around three weeks since his switch from Charlton Athletic at the end of August.

But the 25-year-old feels settled on Tyneside already and has loved being part of the first team squad for trips to QPR and Aston Villa.

"It's been great. The lads and coaching staff are brilliant, and everyone's made me fit in really well," he said.

"The best thing about football is that you start training straight away, so there's no hiding place, and that's really good. You have to get in with the lads, and with the games coming thick and fast it's only a good thing for me.

"I've been on the bench the last couple of games and they have showed the two sides of us. While we may not have played the football we wanted to at QPR we were solid defensively and gave very little away.

"Then at Villa we were by far the better team, We passed it, moved it, and created chances, and if it wasn't for Shay Given then we would have won the game.

"A matchday is always the same as a footballer, but when you move up to the Premier League you notice a real change in certain things. The fans, the stadiums, the facilities, the lads - it's a realy enjoyable experience and I'm loving every minute of it."