I'm here to push Krul, says Rob Elliot

11 September 2013 11:46

Newcastle goalkeeper Rob Elliot has warned Tim Krul he is gunning for his place as he attempts to force his way onto the international stage.

The 27-year-old is currently understudy to the Dutchman at St James' Park, but was handed a chance to impress by manager Alan Pardew during the second half of last season when first an ankle injury and then a dislocated shoulder forced Krul onto the sidelines.

However, the Holland international is now back in harness, leaving Elliot fighting for a place once again, and it is a battle for which he is fully prepared.

The former Charlton keeper said: "Tim is a top keeper and he is the number one, but I am not here just to sit on the bench. I am here to push him.

"That's what I did all pre-season and I was disappointed, to be honest with you, not to start the season.

"I had a chat with the gaffer and he said, 'Tim is the number one, so you have to accept that'.

"But I just said I want to keep training, keep working hard and prove that I can hopefully get into the team.

"Obviously, Tim has been fantastic, as he usually is. All I can do is back it up when I get a chance to play and keep doing well in training."

Despite the competition between them, Elliot and Krul are close friends, although that will not prevent either from doing all they can to get the better of the other.

Elliot, who started the 2-0 Capital One Cup victory at Morecambe last month, said: "Obviously, I want the club to do well and whoever plays - if it's Tim, which is more than likely - then I want him to do well.

Source: PA