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Elliot Grateful For Messages Of Support
Written by Newcastle Utd
Rob Elliot has thanked Newcastle's supporters for their messages of support following his injury - and is backing Karl Darlow to shine in his absence
By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor
Rob Elliot has thanked well-wishers for their messages of support following the cruciate ligament injury he suffered while playing for the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday night.
And the popular goalkeeper has backed Karl Darlow to step up to the plate and shine in the final eight games of the season.
Elliot - who replaced Tim Krul in the side last October and has been one of United's outstanding players this season - has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign as a result of the injury, which came in the 14th minute of Ireland's 2-2 friendly draw against Slovakia at the Aviva Stadium. He will also miss the European Championships in France this summer.
He admitted that tears have been shed but, writing in a heartfelt email to the Club's supporters, the 29-year-old shot-stopper said: "The warm wishes I have seen from fans, players and people involved in the game mean the world to me and it's nice to know that there are so many good people wishing me well at such a dark time.
"Sustaining the injury happened in a split second. The ball was played across the goal and I moved across to get in line. I dived after the ball as I would do in any training session or any game, but I felt pain straight away. Watching it back, I grabbed my knee before I'd even landed.
"When I found out it was my cruciate ligament, that's when the tears came. There was a wave of emotion knowing I'd miss the rest of the season with Newcastle and the Euros with Ireland. But you have to let that come, get past it and then look to be positive."
Elliot revealed that he will speak to former team-mates like Ryan Taylor and Dan Gosling, who have both overcome similar injuries, as well as his friend and colleague Krul - himself on the road to recovery from a ruptured anterior ligament.
Former Charlton keeper Elliot has made 22 appearances for Newcastle this season and his performances have earned several points for the Magpies - most recently against Sunderland, when he made a superb save to deny Patrick van Aanholt shortly before Aleksandar Mitrovic's late equaliser.
He added: "When I was initially thrown in, people were unsure. But you, our fans, supported me and had faith in me. I remember when I walked out for the Norwich game and the whole Gallowgate stood and applauded me. I hadn't done anything at that point but you were right behind me and it gave me the confidence I needed going into that game.
"That triggered it. When you have the backing of the whole city, it lifts you and you take that confidence into every game. You feel part of it and I want to thank our fans for that.
"Karl Darlow will now get that opportunity and I know you will show him the support that you've given me. He's a great guy, he gets what Newcastle is all about and he works hard every day to get an opportunity like this. He deserves that roar from our fans like I had.
"I messaged him as soon as I knew about my injury because I wanted him to know and to be ready. I know how good a goalkeeper he is already and how good he is going to be."
And Elliot signed off: "I wish Karl and the boys the best in carrying us forward and getting us out of the relegation fight. Alongside you, I'll be right behind them."
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