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Jak In The Box Until January
Written by Newcastle Utd
Jak Alnwick has been challenged to earn a new contract at St. James' Park, as the goalkeeper gets set for an extended run
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Jak Alnwick has been challenged to earn a new deal at St. James' Park, as the rookie goalkeeper gets set for an extended run of games.
The 21-year-old Academy graduate came off the bench in place of the injured Rob Elliot at half-time last weekend for his Newcastle United debut, and put in an eye-catching display as the Magpies saw off Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea 2-1.
Manager Alan Pardew has confirmed that Elliot will miss the next "six or seven" games with a thigh injury, and with regular number one Tim Krul already sidelined, it means Alnwick will get the nod until at least January.
The Hexham-born stopper is out of contract in the summer and Pardew believes more impressive performances will make it "even more difficult" to not offer Alnwick fresh terms.
"Jak will start in goal (at Arsenal)," confirmed the boss.
"He has worked very hard in the background but never had an opportunity, but I have great faith in him.
"He is going to need a little bit of luck - like everybody, particularly in that position - but he deserves that because he is a cracking lad and we are proud of him.
"Jak will put himself in a great position if he can play really well in these seven games. It will make it even more difficult for us not to offer him a contract. That one is definitely in Jak's court."