Newcastle United custodian Rob Elliot has welcomed the fierce competition for places at St. James' Park.

United are currently very well stocked in the goalkeeping position as manager Rafael Benitez has the likes of Karl Darlow, Matz Sels, Tim Krul as well as Rob Elliot to select from and in addition, the Magpies are also being linked with a move for Napoli star Pepe Reina.

The fierce competition for places will mean that at least a couple of the high profile Newcastle goalkeepers will have to bide their time on the sidelines next season, but rather than being fazed, backup Elliot has insisted that he is happy with the quality of shot stoppers available at St. James' Park at the moment.

The Irishman to The Chronicle: "Karl (Darlow) has been magnificent this season. If you look at it Matz (Sels) gets into the Belgian squad every time, too. Tim Krul is out on loan - we have a fantastic squad of goalkeepers.

"But at the end of the day you have to take the chances when they come as you never know when the next one will come. I had to wait a long time for the next one to come after my injury. I will enjoy the break but we are all looking forward to getting back. We will be raring to go."