NEWCASTLE United understudy netminder Rob Elliot has decided to throw in his lot with Ireland, according to Giovanni Trapattoni's goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly, writes Paul Hyland.

Elliot (left) made Kelly aware of his decision through the Newcastle United coaching staff and is available for selection once formalities have been addressed.

"There is a multitude of goalkeepers we are looking at and I have a long list. I spoke to the goalkeeping coach at Newcastle and he tells me that Rob Elliot is available to play for us," said Kelly.

"I watched him in the European games and he is in the Newcastle side, which is a good thing for me and the manager."

Competition has never been hotter in the goalkeeping sphere and Kelly was non-committal about Elliot's chances of featuring in the summer schedule.

"We have a clutch of goalkeepers but the lads who are here at the moment have done really well. It would be unfair on them to mention Rob for upcoming games," said Kelly.