ROB ELLIOT is determined to make the most of his unexpected return to Newcastle United’s first team, after admitting he feared he would never play for the club again.

Elliot made his first senior appearance for more than ten months last weekend, and with Tim Krul ruled out for the season and Karl Darlow still a few weeks away from full fitness, the Republic of Ireland international is set to retain his place in the side for Sunday’s pivotal Wear-Tyne derby with Sunderland.

His sudden promotion to the limelight is especially remarkable as it has come in a season that had looked like marking the end of his time on Tyneside.

The effects of the thigh injury that ruined the goalkeeper’s prospects last season meant he was forced to sit out the whole of this summer’s pre-season programme, and the arrival of Darlow, not to mention the progress of youngster Freddie Woodman, meant he started the campaign as third in the pecking order at best.

Suddenly, though, he is arguably the most important player in the Newcastle squad, and instead of pondering his departure from the North-East when his contract expires next June, he is able to realistically target a new deal.

It is all a far cry from the dark days of the summer, when the 29-year-old freely admits he feared for his future under new head coach Steve McClaren.

“I said before the Norwich game that my son wasn’t even born the last time I played at St James’, so it’s been a bit strange,” said Elliot. “If I’m being honest, I never thought I would play for Newcastle again at one point.

“So to play for this club (again) and be out there is one of the proudest things I’ve ever done. On a day like Sunday, when you have the crowd and everything, it’s just absolutely amazing. From a personal point of view, you just want to take the chance with both hands and give it your best.”

McClaren has revealed he received approaches to take Elliot on loan this summer, but perhaps mindful of Darlow’s inexperience and impressed with the Irishman’s influence on the training ground, he opted to retain the shot-stopper even though his first-team chances appeared limited.

McClaren’s judgement has proved sound, and while the pair are still to hold discussions about the future beyond the end of the season, it is clear they have established an immediate rapport.

When McClaren spoke of Tim Krul being worth ’18 or 20 points a season’ last week, it was interpreted in some quarters as a slight on Elliot’s capabilities. Instead, those close to the Newcastle head coach insist his words were intended to provide a fillip to Krul, who faces the best part of a year on the sidelines. Elliot’s ability, it is claimed, was never in doubt.

“The manager’s been absolutely fantastic with me,” said the goalkeeper. “There were rumours of me leaving (in the summer), and obviously Karl came in. Then I was injured, so I started as number three, but the manager’s just encouraged me to be myself and play how I play.

“He said he had no issue with chucking me in, and it’s been good. He just said, ‘Go out there and enjoy it. Do what you do’. Which was nice.

“He said he had no worries with me at all – no talks, no nothing, just go out and play. He was excellent with me, so I was just pleased to repay his faith last weekend. Hopefully, I can carry on doing that.”

Elliot also received strong support from Krul, who made a point of keeping in touch with his team-mate in the build-up to Sunday’s game.

The Dutchman was understandably devastated once the full effect of his cruciate ligament injury became clear, but he put his own personal disappointment to one side to help ensure Elliot was ready to face Norwich.

“He sent me a great message before the game, a really nice message,” said Elliot. “He’s just a top guy and I wish him well.

“He’s obviously had devastating news, but he’ll handle it really well. He’s a strong-minded guy, and he’ll come back fitter and stronger. We’re all gutted for him, but he’ll still be a big part of the dressing room. He’s a proper Geordie – a Dutch Geordie – and he’ll be buzzing for the lads after Sunday.”

Last weekend’s 6-2 win provided a much-needed tonic after a difficult start to the campaign, and represented the ideal preparation for Sunday’s derby.

“We’ve had a really positive change-around on the training ground, but the results hadn’t reflected how much of a positive vibe we’ve had,” said Elliot. “This (Sunday’s win) is the start of it. We can start building on it – not get too ahead of ourselves – but start building on it to push our season forwards.”