The goalkeeping position has been a source of concern for many Irish fans in recent years, as those who do ply their trade in the Premier League, such as Shay Given at Stoke and new national hero Darren Randolph at West Ham, are struggling to find first team minutes, a clear candidate for the Ireland starting goalkeeper job has not emerged.
One man who will be given a chance to stake his claim for inclusion in future national team squads is Newcastle keeper Rob Elliot, who looks set to benefit from a nasty injury to Tim Krul sustained on international duty with Holland. Krul has been ruled out for the season, which means that Elliot will have a chance to show what he can do starting with Norwich City on Sunday.
Ahead of the game, Newcastle boss Steve McClaren has been full of praise for the Irish international:
He’s in as good a condition as you can be without actually playing. He missed pre-season but he’s certainly trained well in the last few weeks.
Even before Karl Darlow got injured there was a possibility of sending him away on loan. But I said: ‘No keep him here’. We like him and he’s very good in training, now he has to produce in games.
Martin O'Neill will certainly be hoping he can produce, and will no doubt be keeping a keen eye on proceedings at St. James' Park given that Elliot will be up against fellow Irish internationals Wes Hoolahan and Robbie Brady.
This is a big opportunity for Elliot with Tim Krul our for so long, so fingers crossed it goes well.
