Newcastle United's Jak Alnwick confident of making step up

Jak Alnwick has told Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew that he has the confidence and ability to cover for the club's goalkeeping crisis through December.

The third-choice goalkeeper came off the bench at half time of Saturday's match against Chelsea after Rob Elliot picked up an injury in the first half, and helped the 10-man Magpies to hold on for a 2-1 win.

Alnwick has said that he is ready to feature in forthcoming matches against Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland this month.

"There are big games coming up, however, as a third choice goalkeeper, this is what I am here to do. I have to be ready at all times," he told The Chronicle.

"I don't know how bad Rob's injury is, but I will prepare as if I am playing in the next game and if that happens I'll go into it with confidence. If I get a run in the team, I'll be just as confident in every single game as I was on Saturday.

"This win and performance does give me massive confidence."

Newcastle's first-choice goalkeeper Tim Krul is out of action until the New Year with an ankle injury.