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The Gloves Are On For Keeper Rob
Written by Newcastle Utd
United goalkeeper Rob Elliot has taken a major step in his comeback from a serious knee injury
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
In County Kildare
Rob Elliot is part of Newcastle United's squad out in Ireland on a pre-season training camp, and the goalkeeper has taken a major step in his comeback from a serious knee injury.
Elliot suffered a cruciate ligament injury while on international duty with Republic of Ireland in March, bringing a premature end to his season.
But on Wednesday afternoon the 30-year-old pulled on a pair of gloves again for the first time and headed out to the training pitch, undertaking some very simple catching drills with physio Sean Beech.
"It was a great feeling," the stopper told nufc.co.uk.
"It's been just over three months now, so to be back on the pitch is really positive and I can build up the work from there.
"What I have been doing is very, very light goalkeeping - nowhere near training - but you've got to start somewhere. And just to be out there makes you feel like you can see the finish line a little clearer. It shows that all the work I have been doing inside in the gym is paying off.
"It's a big moment. When you can't bend your knee and when you are on crutches you do have doubts about whether you will be able to play football again, so just to be out on the pitch and moving around puts you at ease and gives you more confidence in your knee.
"Touch wood, every time I have pushed on in my recovery I haven't had a reaction. The surgeon has been really positive, so advancing what I am doing helps with my confidence.
"Goalkeeping is what I love doing, so to be able to just make this step was great. I'm not getting carried away though because there's still a very long way to go and a lot of hard work ahead but it was a really nice moment."