Elliot Can't Wait To Learn Derby Date

By Dan King - Newcastle United Club Reporter

He was born in Greenwich, London, but Rob Elliot knows which games Newcastle fans will look for first when the Barclays Premier League fixtures are announced at 9am on Wednesday.

For United's 27-year-old goalkeeper the countdown to the new season will truly begin once the campaign calendar has been confirmed and, just like the supporters, he is eagerly awaiting the news.

And he is particularly keen to learn when the Magpies will face rivals Sunderland home and away, with Alan Pardew's men determined to atone for last term's disappointing 3-0 defeat against the Black Cats. 

"You always look straight to the derby - I've learnt that very quickly up here," the former Charlton man told nufc.co.uk. "Especially after what happened against Sunderland in April, there is a real hunger to put that right.

"Then after that I will probably look for the fixtures against Manchester United. They are special and everyone wants to be involved against the champions."

Last season was a mixed one for Newcastle but for Elliot, it proved to be something of a breakthrough year as he made 17 appearances in all competitions.

And he is hoping for more of the same when 2013/14 begins, although Tim Krul will be back from the dislocated shoulder he suffered in that match against Sunderland.

Elliot said: "As a squad we need to get back to some consistency. We didn't get on any runs last year and that is crucial.

"For me, I will work hard over the summer, come back, train well, be positive and see what happens.

"I obviously want to try and get in the team, but Tim is a world class goalkeeper who is definitely the number one at the moment - we all know that.

"However, I won't just settle for that. I want to push him as hard as I can and hopefully give the manager a tough decision when it comes to the start of the season."

Stayed logged on to nufc.co.uk for the Barclays Premier League fixture annoucement at 9am