Newcastle United goalkeeper Rob Elliot admits he's pinching himself over his progress in the last two years.

Elliot was playing for Accrington Stanley the last time Toon were playing in Europe.

"It is a fairytale," said Elliot to the Evening Chronicle. "I was playing in League One a year and a half ago and now I'm trying to keep out the highest paid player in the world.

"As a personal achievement it's fantastic. It's scary how quick you adapt to playing in the Europa League.

"To make two saves from him is brilliant.

"But it will mean more if we go through and progress in the competition."