Why Rob Elliot will be the ideal goalkeeping cover for Derby’s Scott Carson
Derby County have been linked with a move for Newcastle United goalkeeper Rob Elliot by the Derby Telegraph. Derby have had a pretty decent season so far in terms of keeping themselves in and around the top 6.
Frank Lampard has certainly instilled a new sense of life into the Rams, which is visible in how they’ve kept up with strong teams like Middlesbrough and West Brom.
They finished last season at 6th place but were a whole 24 points off Wolves at the top of the table. This season though, that gap has been cut down drastically so far. With 27 games gone, Derby are just 11 points off Leeds and could still easily penetrate the top 4 as they’re just 4 points off West Brom.
They haven’t had too much difficulty scoring goals but it’s consistency that’s really beginning to hurt Lampard’s side. Their inability to get a streak of wins is slowly starting to take its toll as they’re dropping points on a regular basis.
They’ve managed just 1 league win in their last 6 matches, which is a cause of concern for the Rams supporters.
Their defence has been pretty average so far this term. While they’re nothing worth raving about, they’re not incompetent and are capable of getting the job done. Scott Carson is the first-choice keeper at Derby and the 33-year-old has been in good knick in the league. Kelle Roos is the backup keeper but his inexperience has allowed him only a couple of cup games.
According to the report, Derby are on the lookout for experienced cover for Carson, who will be needed in certain games and must get some rest when required.
Depending on a young keeper like Roos to stay solid for a whole 90 minutes could spell trouble for Derby. They have eyes on out of favour former Newcastle number one – Rob Elliot.
An experienced keeper who has been at St.James’ Park since 2011, has played a total of 68 games for the Toon over the years and has kept 17 clean sheets in the process.
While multiple keepers have come and gone at Newcastle, Elliot has been their first-choice for a very long time now. He is yet to feature for Newcastle this season, having fallen further down the pecking order because of his age.
He still has lots to offer and could be the perfect cover for a tiring Carson who has been crucial to keeping Lampard’s side at 6th place.
If they are to maintain that and push for higher places, they need to have proper backup for all positions. In the hunt for outfield players, forgetting the purchase of a proper back-up keeper could cost Derby dearly and Elliot is the perfect guy for a job like this