Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini has claimed that goalkeeper Rob Elliot is a positive influence on the team.

The Republic of Ireland international kept a clean sheet on Saturday as Steve McClaren's Magpies moved out of the Premier League relegation zone with a 1-0 win over struggling Bournemouth.

Elliot has been brought into the side after first-choice goalkeeper Tim Krul sustained a season-ending knee injury, and Coloccini said that the 29-year-old has performed well.

"We need people like Robbie, with his strong character, in this dressing room," Coloccini told Newcastle's official website.

"He never lets us down and when things are not going well he will not hide."

Newcastle host Leicester City when the Premier League resumes after the international break.

Written by
Steven Toplis