Rob Elliot was cut down by a serious knee injury on Tuesday night.

The Newcastle United goalkeeper was injured early in Republic of Ireland's friendly with Slovakia in Dublin which has since been diagnosed as a cruciate ligament injury which is likely to keep him sidelined for up to six months.

There is no chance Elliot, 29, will play for Ireland at this summer's European Championships and will also miss the remainder of Newcastle's relegation fight this season but he was maintaining a positive outlook in an open letter penned to the club's supporters who he urged to get behind Karl Darlow who will take the gloves from here on in.

"I wanted to take the opportunity to write to you all personally and say a massive thank you for all the messages of support I have received since suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury while playing for Ireland last night," wrote Elliot.

"The warm wishes I have seen from fans, players and people involved in the game mean the world to me and it's nice to know that there are so many good people wishing me well at such a dark time.

"When I found out it was my cruciate ligament, that's when the tears came. There was a wave of emotion knowing I'd miss the rest of the season with Newcastle and the Euros with Ireland. But you have to let that come, get past it and then look to be positive.

"We're still in a fight as a club but on a personal level, I'm very proud to have played a part this season and to have made a difference.

"Karl Darlow will now get that opportunity and I know you will show him the support that you've given me. He's a great guy, he gets what Newcastle is all about and he works hard every day to get an opportunity like this. He deserves that roar from our fans like I had.

"I wish Karl and the boys the best in carrying us forward and getting us out of the relegation fight. Alongside you, I'll be right behind them."