Rafa Benitez rules out Newcastle goalkeeper swoop after Rob Elliot blow

Relegation-threatened Newcastle United lost Rob Elliot for the rest of the season to a knee injury this week.

Elliot, outstanding between the posts this season, ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee playing for the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday night.

Newcastle lost No 1 Tim Krul to season-ending injury in October.

And that leaves manager Benitez with Karl Darlow and Freddie Woodman.

The Times report that Benitez spent yesterday looking at the available free agents.

Benitez, however, reportedly opted against bringing one in, and Darlow, 25, will start Saturday's game against relegation rivals Norwich City at Carrow Road.

England Under-19 international Woodman, recalled from a loan at Crawley Town after Krul suffered his injury, will be on the bench.