ROB ELLIOT COULD be in line to return to the Ireland squad to face Austria next month.

The 30-year-old, who was voted Newcastle’s player of the year last season, has not played since suffering a knee ligament injury in March during Ireland’s 2-2 friendly draw with Slovakia.

In an interview with the The Chronicle, Elliot said he expected to make a playing return in a matter of ”weeks rather than months”.

“I just have to see what happens but I am looking forward to being back in the routine with the lads every day. That’s the main thing,” Elliot said.

“It’s going really well and I am training with (head goalkeeping coach) Simon Smith three times a week.”

With Sheffield Wednesday stopper Keiren Westwood also injured, Martin O’Neill had uncapped goalkeeping duo Danny Rogers and Ian Lawlor on the bench in recent Ireland matches, with Darren Randolph starting the games against Georgia and Moldova.

Given the limited options currently at goalkeeper, Elliot’s return would be a welcome boost ahead of the team’s match in Vienna on 12 November.

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