Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has declared that he was delighted with Rob Elliot's performance against Maritimo in the Europa League this evening.

Elliot made his European debut in his only his second appearance for the Magpies, and kept a clean sheet as Newcastle left Portugal with a point.

Pardew said that the goalkeeper's display was a highlight for the Toon on a difficult night on the continent.

He said: "Rob has waited a long time to stake his claim, we know that he is a shotstopper, 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."

Elliot last played for Newcastle exactly one year ago, in a League Cup tie against Nottingham Forest.