Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew hailed goalkeeper Rob Elliot following his impressive performance against Maritimo.
Newcastle boss delighted with keeper's display against Maritimo
Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew hailed goalkeeper Rob Elliot following his impressive performance against Maritimo in their Europa League Group D clash on Thursday.
The 26-year-old made his European debut for the Magpies in Madeira and helped his side to a 0-0 draw, keeping out Sami on three occasions.
It was only Elliot's second appearance for Newcastle, and Pardew was pleased with the former Charlton Athletic custodian's display in Portugal.
Outstanding goalkeeper
"Rob has waited a long time - since the [Nottingham] Forest game, really - to stake his claim," he said.
"We know him very well, myself and the goalkeeping coach [Andy Woodman] because of Charlton, and this is a shot-stopper, this is a great goalkeeper.
"What he did at the start of the game is what he does in training every day, and I was pleased for him in every aspect of his game, very, very pleased with him.
"He was outstanding, as well as the back four against a really difficult surface and difficult opponents."
Great result
Pardew added that he was happy with the draw in their opening game in the group.
"Maritimo are a team who are going to surprise teams here," he said. "They are very, very good - their record suggests that.
"Therefore, taking all that into consideration, I thought a draw was a great result."
Meanwhile, Maritimo boss Pedro Martins was disappointed not to have bagged maximum points.
Asked if the result was a fair one, he said: "For the quality of the game, no, but for the opportunities, I think yes.
"I felt we were much better than the opposition in the way we played."
