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Rob Elliot says he has received assurances from Rafa Benitez that he wants him for the long-haul at Newcastle United.

Elliot’s just returned from a long injury to join the fierce competition for the goalkeeper’s role at St James’ Park – and knows that he won’t be unseating Karl Darlow for as long as the ex-Nottingham Forest man maintains his fine form.

With Matz Sels also waiting in the wings for a chance to prove himself and Freddie Woodman looking for a chance, there is a real battle brewing to be number one at United.

Elliot would have had that slot but for the serious injury suffered during the international break but he harbours no regrets – and is determined to remain and fight for his place at Newcastle.

That extends to not looking for a loan move in the New Year, which is an avenue Woodman could go down and which Tim Krul has used to move to Ajax to continue his rehabilitation from a serious injury.

For the time being, he is happy to stand on the sidelines, wait for his chance and to support Darlow as he continues to help United’s promotion effort.

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“I am conscious I don’t want to go too long without playing but you have to cross that bridge when you come to it.

“I definitely want to stay. I just signed my long-term deal and the manager has told me he wants me to be here for the future. I know sometimes in football you have to accept someone in front of you is doing well and hold your hands up.

“The good thing for me is that if I keep working hard, keep doing well the manager will give me the chance if an opportunity arises. You know you’ll be in there on merit. Karl is in there on merit – he worked hard, got his chance and now he’s doing well.

“Hopefully I can do the same.”

Meanwhile, Krul looks set to return to first team football in the New Year. So far he has only played for Ajax’s reserve side – and boss Peter Bosz says he needs more preparation before he plays.

“Medically there is no problem but there is a big difference between Ajax and Young Ajax (reserves),” he said.

“Things are getting better but there is still a long way before he is clear. Also, not every cruciate ligament injury can be compared. The difficulty with Krul is that he is so eager, which I understand. Sometimes you have to protect him from himself – he had a serious injury.”