Elliot ruled out of Euros

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Rob Elliot will miss this summer’s European Championships after sustaining a serious knee injury during his country’s 2-2 friendly draw with Slovakia on Tuesday.

The Newcastle stopper was stretchered off during the first half of the clash at the Aviva Stadium after attempting to stop Miroslav Stoch from opening the scoring.

Ireland boss Martin O’Neill was pessimistic about Elliot’s injury immediately after the match and his worst fears have now been confirmed, as an initial assessment has shown that the 29-year-old has suffered cruciate ligament damage and faces six months on the sidelines.

Elliot will now miss Euro 2016 where the Green Army are due to face Belgium, Italy and Sweden in Group E, and they are available at 1.53 to progress to the knockout stages of the competition.

The former Charlton player will now return to Newcastle where he will be assessed further, but it is expected that he will require surgery to correct the problem.

The news of Elliot’s injury will also come as a huge blow for the Magpies, who are currently embroiled in a Premier League relegation battle.

Rafael Benitez’ side are already without regular number one Tim Krul until next season and they will now have to utilise either Karl Darlow, who has only made two appearances for the club since joining in August 2014, or 19-year-old Fred Woodman.

Newcastle are next in action on Saturday when they travel to Carrow Road to take on relegation rivals Norwich City.