Newcastle United goalkeeper Rob Elliot has calmed fears over Tim Krul's injury blow by insisting that the club have "strength in numbers".

Elliot is expected to get his chance between the sticks after Krul was ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury during the Netherlands' 2-1 victory over Kazakhstan on Saturday.

Karl Darlow would have been next in line to take the number one spot, but the 25-year-old is also on the treatment table due to an ankle injury.

"It adds more competition, it keeps you on your toes," The Shields Gazette quotes Elliot as saying. "At the end of the day you have to be at your best and do all you can to get in the team.

"It is nice to have that healthy competition. You need to have strength in numbers and in depth."

Newcastle are yet to win a game in the Premier League this season.