Goalkeeper Rob Elliot has described his new four-year contract at Newcastle United as a "confidence-booster" as he continues to recover from a serious knee injury.

Elliott had established himself as the club's number-one stopper before the setback towards the end of the last campaign, but he has now slipped down the pecking order at St James' Park after the arrival of Matz Sels.

However, that has not stopped Elliot from jumping at the opportunity to extend his stay on Tyneside, and he is looking forward to trying to help the club secure a return to the Premier League.

The 30-year-old told the club's official website: "I'm delighted. Personally, I had a good run in the team last year but I was obviously gutted at the end with the injury so it's a real confidence-booster that the club have put their faith in me.

"It's helped my rehab as well, because it's something to work towards, and it ties everything up perfectly now so I can look forward to the future, commit to getting back fit and hopefully getting us back to where we want to be."

The Republic of Ireland international has made 49 appearances for Newcastle since signing from Charlton Athletic in 2011.