Rob Elliot's form between the sticks for Newcastle United has persuaded the club their goalkeeping unit is strong enough
Rob Elliot has performed well enough for Newcastle to cool their search for another senior goalkeeper ahead of next season.
With Dutchman Tim Krul also sweating to be fit for the start of the season with an awkward shoulder injury, Elliot will begin pre-season as United's only experienced glove- man.
The Greenwich-born keeper will start between the posts again for the Magpies against Liverpool tomorrow night at St James' Park, and is poised to make his 16th appearance of the campaign.
And the 26-year- old's performances during Krul's injuries have convinced Alan Pardew and goalkeeping coach Andy Woodman that they won't need to bring in another experienced shot- stopper next term.
With 38-year-old Steve Harper set to leave the club on a free transfer this summer after 20 years on Tyneside, there had been plans to check new goalkeeping talent.
Newcastle also touched base with Birmingham City in January about a possible £3.5m bid for England international Jack Butland.
It means that Pardew and his backroom staff can concentrate on improving the squad in other areas, with Krul and Elliot set to battle it out for the No 1 spot next season.
Harper's absence does mean that United require back-up, but the Chronicle understands that Newcastle are looking to hand 19-year-old stopper Jak Alnwick a two-year extension to the deal that ends at the end of this season.
Alnwick would be loaned out next season to a Football League side with a recall clause inserted to any temporary switch, with Jonathan Mitchell playing in the Under-21 set-up.
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