Newcastle United goalkeeper Rob Elliot is ready to take over as the club's No 1 after Tim Krul suffered a season-ending injury while on international duty.
The Dutchman will miss the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament injury after leaving the Netherlands' 2-1 win over Kazakhstan on crutches.
"Gutted to come off with an injury tonight. Thanks for all the get well wishes. I will know more about the extent of the injury after scans,' wrote Krul on Twitter.
With second choice goalkeeper Karl Darlow also out injured with an ankle problrem, Newcastle have also brought youngster Freddie Woodman back from a loan at Crawley Town.
Former Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Elliot, 29, has played only 16 Premier League games since joining the club in 2011 and 28 in all competitions - but believes goalkeeper coach Simon Smith, who also works with England, has him well prepared.
"Simon has been around the building in the last couple of years because he looks after the young England lads," Elliot, who also has three Republic of Ireland caps, told the Newcastle Chronicle.
"We are fortunate to have good young lads around the goalkeeping department.
"I get on really with Simon. He comes in and just wants to do goalkeeping coaching. He has a great relationship with everybody and it has increased the competition, with Simon and Karl Darlow coming in."
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