ALAN PARDEW has challenged Jack Alnwick to earn a new contract at Newcastle United over the course of the next month.

With Tim Krul and Rob Elliot both nursing injuries, Alnwick is set to be the Magpies' first-choice goalkeeper until the turn of the year having impressed as he made his debut from the substitutes' bench in last weekend's 2-1 win over Chelsea.

The 21-year-old, who will start between the sticks in Saturday's televised game at Arsenal, is due to become a free agent in the summer.

But having been given an unexpected chance to prove himself at the highest level, Pardew has urged the Hexham-born shot-stopper to take it.

"This puts him in a great position if he plays really well in the next seven games," said the Newcastle boss. "That would make it more difficult for us when it comes to contract negotiations. That is definitely in Jak's court."

For all Arsenal's recent struggles, a trip to the Emirates hardly represents the easiest of assignments for a first Premier League start.

Alnwick's last senior start came in an FA Cup second-round tie against Tamworth while he was on loan at Gateshead, but Pardew has no concerns about his ability to hold himself together at the weekend.

"Robbie (Elliot) will be out for six to eight games so it's a great opportunity for Jak and he's very keen to take it," he said. "He's had a great start and has fitted in very well.

"He has worked very hard in the background but never had an opportunity. I have great faith in him, but he will need a lot of luck as well, particularly in that crucial position. He deserves a bit of luck because he is a cracking lad and I'm very proud of him."

Steven Taylor and Moussa Sissoko are both suspended for the trip to North London, and Pardew must decide whether to start with Cisse, whose two goals against Chelsea came despite him continuing to feel the effects of a long-standing knee problem.

"He is one of those priceless players," said Pardew. "At the moment he is red hot and, if we give him the chances, I feel pretty confident he will take them.

"We've had to manage his knee and it's an ongoing process.From now until the summer we need to be careful with him."