Press article:

Forgotten man Robbie relishes clean sheet - 13/09/2004

Forgotten man Robbie relishes clean sheet

Robbie Elliott savoured Newcastle United's first win in nine Premiership
games, insisting both the three points and clean sheet were a "long time
coming."

Elliott was handed his second start of the season against Blackburn
Rovers, and he had an assured game alongside Andy O'Brien in the centre of defence, with John Carver forced to switch Aaron Hughes to left-back to cover for the injured Olivier Bernard.

Forgotten man Elliott will be hoping to stay involved under new boss
Graeme Souness, having now ended his exile from the team.

"It's been a long time coming," said Elliott. "We mentioned before the
game that a good result was so important given the European tie coming
up on Thursday, and the lads produced a performance that we can be proud of.

"I was one of those left behind with the internationals and we've had a
fantastic two week's training. It's been very hard, but very enjoyable.

"It's testament to the staff left behind that they've kept things
together given all the things happening off the pitch. Our bread and
butter was this match and for the staff it's been a difficult two weeks.

"As a defender you want to keep a clean sheet first and foremost and
that's been a long time coming too so I'm delighted with that.

"We are always going to score goals and create chances, but we need
clean sheets as well.

"There was also a couple of penalty decisions that went against us. But
the lads didn't let it effect them, and one time when we weren't given
the penalty within 10 seconds had won the ball back. That showed great
character."

Elliott's 20-month exile from first team football at United was ended in
the first game of the season at Middlesbrough.


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