Ell of a special night for me says ace Rob
TOON KEEPER’S JOY AS HE RETURNS FROM INJURY NIGHTMARE
NEWCASTLE United’s season has been made up by a host of important moments during an arduous climb back to the Premier League.
During most of this testing campaign, long-serving goalkeeper Rob Elliot has been going through his own personal battle to get back on the stage.
From the treatment room, training with the reserves, to playing for the Under-23s in a bid to rediscover fitness and then on to the bench, waiting for a chance to finally return to the first team after 13 months - it has been a real trek for Elliot to get back to what he loves doing best.
In the last fortnight, there have been two key moments when Elliot’s quality and passion at Newcastle have been summed up.
The most important came when, with Newcastle under the cosh against Preston North End, Elliot stayed cool to make a key save to deny Daniel Johnson.
After weeks of recovery, to make such a telling contribution in front of 50,000 fans and a live TV audience meant a lot to the Ireland international.
He told the Chronicle: “It was a nice moment.
“I think it was the first time I touched the ball! “Again, it is just nice to contribute in any way. “It has been a tough year, but it has also been brilliant watching. “It has been very strange for me, but it is great to contribute. “I was pleased to make a save right in front of the Gallowgate End and the fans were singing my name.” It was a moment that felt a million miles away from the drama when Elliot was carried off the field playing for Ireland last season - right in the middle of Newcastle’s relegation battle. But last season’s player of the season admitted that hearing the supporters paying tribute to him on Monday night was special. He said: “That’s the sort of stuff you dream about, especially when you first get injured. “You don’t even think you can play football again, so just to get back is amazing. “I have to say thanks to everybody who has helped me along the way. “Sean Beech and Paul Catterson the doctor have been there. “I have also had the privilege and curse that has been Karl Darlow (pictured left), who has been the best goalkeeper in the league. “I can’t complain in any way, I am really pleased to be back fit and see where we are, and hopefully I can push on at a personal level.” Elliot was due some game time at Newcastle, despite a solid season for Darlow.
Just before his comeback there was another moment in which Elliot showed how much he cared for the club.
After Leeds’ over-zealous celebrations in the recent 1-1 draw at St James’ Park, Elliot got closer to the pitch than he probably wanted after losing his cool.
He explained: “I don’t lose my temper very often.
“But there’s a way you win and a way you celebrate.
“I just thought a couple of things were out of order there.
“You can’t not be passionate about this place, though. You only survive so long if you care. “Maybe it was a bit over the top. “When you aren’t playing you see the lads giving it everything and you want to help in any way you can. “That has been the difference this year. “Everyone to a man has wanted the best for everybody. “Nobody has been miserable, and even the injured lads or those not in the squad want the best for everyone in the squad. “It’s just a great place to be with the fans and the manager. “Let’s hope that this is just the start of that for everybody.”
Monday night was special – the sort of stuff you dream about, especially when you first get injured Rob Elliot