7 Players Left Out Of Newcastle's USA Squad - What's It Mean For Their Futures?

3. Rob Elliot

Rob Elliot's absence from the trip across the Pond has also been put down to "fitness", with the goalkeeper having reportedly picked up a knock in training.

Yet the Republic of Ireland international must surely be fearing for his Newcastle United future right now what with the arrival of Karl Darlow on Tyneside and the emergence of future England prospect Freddie Woodman.

Although in recent seasons Elliot has been very much Tim Krul's deputy, Darlow is now likely to leapfrog him in that department having started the Gateshead match, while Woodman will be itching for a greater number of opportunities before too long.

The prospects of Elliot ever becoming Newcastle No 1 appear slim to impossible, while even retaining his position as back-up now looks like it could become increasingly difficult for the ex-Charlton Athletic stopper.

Having asserted towards the end of 2014 that he wanted to be first-choice goalkeeper on Tyneside or look to leave, it appears increasingly likely that Elliot is heading towards the St James' Park exit door.