ROB ELLIOT admits the prospect of trying to persuade Rafa Benitez to remain on Tyneside has added an extra dimension to Newcastle's fight for Premier League survival.
The Republic of Ireland keeper admits he would have laughed-off suggestions earlier in the campaign that the hugely-respected Spanish coach would take charge at St James' Park.
The arrival of the 55-year-old former Real Madrid, Chelsea and Liverpool boss has given a renewed hope of avoiding a second relegation in seven seasons, but with just nine games left time is running out in the increasingly desperate bid to avoid the drop.
Goalkeeper Rob Elliot never expected Rafael Benitez to be appointed Newcastle manager
Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby has taken on added significance with the local rivals separated by just a point either side of the drop zone.
Victory in front of a sell-out St James' Park will lift Newcastle above their near neighbours, and also help increase the chances of a long-term stay by Benitez, who with a relegation clause in his recently-signed three-year contract is likely to move on should the worst happen.
Elliot said: "If you'd said to me a couple of weeks ago that Rafa would be our manager, I'd have probably laughed. But he's here and it's a fantastic opportunity for the players and this football club to move forward with him in charge.
"We just need to make sure that, one, we stay in the division, and two, that he's our manager for the next few years to build and take us to where we want to be.
"It's been great to have him on board. We haven't had too much time to work with him yet because he's just arrived, but his experience speaks for itself. It's been exciting and motivating for the players to have someone like the gaffer to come in.
"Just look at his calibre. He's just left Real Madrid. We're all aware that we need to work hard and listen to what he asks us to do so we can climb up the table as quickly as possible.”
Benitez tasted defeat in his first game since replacing Steve McClaren with a narrow 1-0 setback at Premier League leaders Leicester City. Elliot, 29, added: “We played well, looked disciplined and I thought we had a better shape about us. We were disciplined, did our jobs and did what the manager asked.
"He just wants us to be more of a team and he keeps emphasising that we have to keep it simple, especially the position we're in. It's been a message intended to relax us and get us focused on the run-in."
Benitez has held talks with Adam Armstrong amidst speculation that the teenage striker is set for a Newcastle recall. Academy product Armstrong has scored 19 goals in a prolific season-long loan spell with League One promotion-chasers Coventry City.
Newcastle have the option of cutting-short the 19-year-old's stay at the Ricoh Arena, and with his newly-inherited side struggling for goals, Benitez is examining all options.
The pair met at the weekend when Armstrong returned to the North-East, and the Sky Blues' former Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray revealed: “Arma was back there on Sunday and went and spoke to Rafa.
“He was given two days off after the match on Saturday and went home with his family and I think he went in off his own bat. The bottom line is he’s a Newcastle player.
“I haven’t spoken to anyone at the club and if anyone is going to it will be Mark Venus (technical director) speaking to their managing director, Lee Charnley. But he's been up there, been in the building, seen the manager and is back here in training.
"I think Rafa realises he’s got nine games and that’s his senior squad. If Arma does get recalled this week, then we’ll have to get on with it."
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