Newcastle's Karl Darlow backed to shine in place of injured Rob Elliot

Rafa Benitez is facing a goalkeeping crisis at Newcastle after Rob Elliot joined Tim Krul in the treatment room for the rest of the season.

But Krul has backed 25-year-old Darlow to shine in the pressure cooker of the relegation battle with Newcastle having just eight games left to secure their top flight status.

Krul took to Twitter to post a picture of him and Elliot training adding: "Gutted to hear about Rob's injury.

"Bad time for goalies lately. Can't wait to go back to days like this @the_dilsh

"I'm convinced Karl Darlow will step in and does the business last 8 games of the season. #KeepTheFaith #NUFC"

Benitez’s only other option would be youngster Feddie Woodman, who shone for England U19s earlier this week.

Elliot flew back to the North East on Wednesday morning bracing himself for a definite verdict on his knee injury after the 28-year-old was carried from the field on a stretcher after twisting his knee as he attempted to make a save just 14 minutes into the Republic of Ireland's 2-2 friendly draw with Slovakia.

Manager Martin O'Neill later revealed the early indications were he had suffered "serious" ligament damage and he is expected to be missing for up to six months, with his hopes of appearing at Euro 2016 over.

Stoke City and England goalkeeper Jack Butland - who fractured his ankle in Saturday's 3-2 victory over Germany in Berlin - also took to Twitter to pass on his thoughts to Elliot and joke that the pair can now watch the Euro 2016 tournament on television together.

Butland tweeted: "Mate, gutted for you and wish you a solid recovery!

"You can come round mine and we can watch the euros together! head up mate! @the_dilsh"

Newcastle No1 Krul was ruled out for the season with his own knee injury, damaging his cruciate ligaments on international duty with Holland back in October.