Rob Elliot was the star as Newcastle won 1-0 in Bournemouth yesterday. Elliot has already been named in Martin O'Neill's provisional squad and many are naturally calling for him to be given the No.1 jersey at the expense of Darren Randolph.
Randolph has an ally however, in the form of Elliot's club manager Steve McClaren.
The goalkeeper situation at Newcastle is perilous. Tim Krul is gone until next season, while alternate replacement Karl Darlow is injured for the next few weeks. Newcastle cannot afford an injury to Elliot.
McClaren doesn't want Elliot anywhere near the Ireland No.1 spot this week.
I hope not and I don't think so.
He's the man in the goal at the moment and we'll wrap him in cotton wool and try to get him out there for the next game.
When we lost Darlow and Tim Krul, we turned to Rob Elliot. He's been terrific from day one, good around the place, experienced, a good talker and got us three points on Saturday.
Given the importance of next week to Ireland, McClaren's wishes should be well down the list of Martin O'Neill's considerations.
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