Rob Elliot

The Newcastle United goalkeeper was in Ireland this week for the club's week-long training camp.

But Elliot – who ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament playing for the Republic of Ireland in March – is still some way off a return to full training.

"There’s no chance (that I'll be back for the start of the season)," said the 30-year-old.

"It was a complete ACL rupture, so it’s a minimum of six months. Because my injury was the best it could be, I’m looking at a six month return.

"That’s the best news I could have hoped for so, touch wood, I’m back on track.

“(I am) just looking for a return in October, and doing everything that I can to get back fit.”

With No 1 Tim Krul also recovering from a serious knee injury, Matz Sels and Karl Darlow are vying to start the season between the posts.