9 Newcastle Players Who Are Fighting For Their Toon Futures

3) Rob Elliot

One of the most-unorthodox signings of the Pardew era, Elliot was brought in to replace Steve Harper as Tim Krul's backup. Signed from Charlton Athletic in League One, the keeper has made 16 league appearances in four years, all when Krul has been injured. Despite the Dutch stopper struggling for form at times in the last couple of seasons, it has never appeared on the cards that Elliot will get a run of games between the sticks. Now a Republic of Ireland international, there has been speculation as to whether he might fancy a move away to boost his international chances. The reality though is that Elliot is not a Premier League-level goalkeeper and his place as Krul's deputy is the best gig he might ever get at club level. With Karl Darlow's impending arrival and 26 goals conceded in 15 league games, Elliot faces a battle to hold onto his berth on the bench but, as a popular figure around the squad, it's not beyond the realm of possibility that he could get a new deal yet. Current likelihood of coming back: 5/10Recommendation: With McClaren having worked with Darlow at Nottingham Forest, it is unclear what the club's plans are for the 24-year-old. If he goes out on loan, it guarantees Elliot his place on the bench and, as seems to be the case with Premier League backup goalkeepers, there is a decent chance that he will get another offer. If Darlow stays, however - and Krul doesn't leave - the chance of getting a new contract fades, with the highly-rated Freddie Woodman waiting in the wings. Elliot has established himself as a positive influence around the club and is considered to be a reliable back-up, even despite the goals-conceded statistics. Elliot needs to work hard on the training ground, try and learn as much as possible and provide support to the younger keepers at the club - save for a serious injury to Krul, his chances of game time are still limited so if he wants to extend his stay on Tyneside, he needs to set aside his first-team ambitions it would appear.