Rob Elliot believes Newcastle can ‘definitely’ stay in the Premier League this season and avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
United rose to 13th in the table and five points clear of the relegation zone after dispatching a struggling Southampton side at St James’ Park on Saturday, with two goals from Kenedy and a Matt Ritchie strike securing a 3-0 win.
Despite not being handed the resources he feels necessary to make Newcastle competitive in the top-flight, Rafa Benitez has performed miracles to keep his youthful side’s head above water and within touching distance of safety.
And Republic of Ireland international Elliot feels the Magpies have confounded the critics and feels a squad largely composed of last season’s Championship winners has shown it can compete in the Premier League.
“Yeah definitely [Newcastle can stay up]. I think there’s been a lot made about this not being a Premier League squad, but I completely disagree,” Elliot told Sky Sports.
“I think there’s a strong depth to the squad and I think they’ve proven time and time again that they are good enough. Not forgetting this is only the first year or first half a season we’re back in the Premier League.
“I think the players have got a lot to prove, they’re a very young squad and all in all things are looking very positive for us going forward and hopefully it’ll be a good end to the season.”
Newcastle could move closer safety if they beat Huddersfield at St James’ Park in just over two weeks time.
