Newcastle United's preparations for Saturday's crunch encounter with Norwich City at Carrow Road suffered a big blow on Tuesday night when goalkeeper Rob Elliot was injured while playing for the Republic of Ireland.

The Magpies' current first choice between the sticks fell awkwardly as he attempted to make a save during the first half of the friendly with Slovakia at Dublin's Aviva Stadium.

Miroslav Stoch's effort found the back of the net – and things quickly went from bad to worse for the keeper when he was stretchered off in considerable pain, to be replaced by West Ham's Darren Randolph.

It later emerged that Elliot had suffered knee ligament damage, with the likelihood being that he will be out for the rest of the season.

Elliot would bave been a certain starter in this weekend's Premier League basement battle – but he will now miss out, having been Newcastle's regular keeper since Dutch international Tim Krul was ruled out for the season after suffering a similar knee injury in October.

Newcastle now look set to rely on third choice Karl Darlow, who has made just two first team appearances but does have over 100 games for Nottingham Forest under his belt.

The Republic went on to draw the match 2-2 with City midfielder Wes Hoolahan playing 71 minutes before being replaced and colleague Robbie Brady coming on as a half-time substitute.