Forgotten Newcastle United player in 'awkward' situation

That’s the view of Steve Bruce, who recalled Elliot to the bench last weekend after losing second-choice goalkeeper Karl Darlow to a back injury.

Elliot – who is in the final year of his contract – made the last of his 68 appearances for the club just over two years ago. The 33-year-old told the Gazette earlier this season he “fell out of love with football” after being frozen out by Rafa Benitez, Bruce’s managerial predecessor.

Bruce, however, brought Elliot back into the fold.

“He’s in that awkward situation where he finds himself third choice,” said Bruce. “But you’ve got to have three goalkeepers. Darlow woke up last Thursday or Friday with a bad back, and couldn’t travel. He (Elliot) might need a game with the Under-23s. He’s a good goalkeeper. You can see that.”