Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow has revealed that he wants to challenge Rob Elliot to be the club's number one stopper.
Darlow, who joined from Nottingham Forest in the summer, recently returned to action after suffering an ankle ligament injury against Northampton Town in a League Cup tie in August.
With first-choice goalkeeper Tim Krul out for the season with a knee injury and Elliot struggling with a thigh problem, Darlow has said that he is looking to force his way into the side.
"The last couple of months have been frustrating, but I knew what I was working towards," the Sunderland Echo quotes Darlow as saying.
"It was a training ground injury. I just went over on my ankle and did three ligaments. It was a frustrating time.
"Obviously, there's an opportunity there for me in the first team, so hopefully playing in games like this, and being back training, will prove I'm ready to play."
Newcastle face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
Steven Toplis
