Devastated Newcastle United keeper Rob Elliot has backed understudy Karl Darlow to soften the blow of his serious knee injury and help keep the Magpies in the Premier League.

Darlow is poised to replace Elliot for Saturday's crunch relegation shoot-out against Norwich City after the Republic of Ireland keeper suffered cruciate ligament damage on international duty. Elliot took his chance following the long term injury to Newcastle's first choice Tim Krul, and the 29-year-old is confident Darlow will let no-one down.

'When I was initially thrown in, people were unsure,' he said. 'I remember when I walked out for the Norwich home game and the whole Gallowgate stood and applauded me. I hadn't done anything at that point but they were right behind me and it gave me the confidence I needed.

'Karl Darlow will now get that opportunity and I know they will show him the same support. He's a great guy, he gets what Newcastle is all about and he works hard every day to get an opportunity like this. I messaged him as soon as I knew about my injury because I wanted him to know and to be ready.

'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.'