Newcastle 'keeper Rob Elliot apologises to fans after defeat at Everton

Newcastle goalkeeper Rob Elliot has apologised to the club's fans after their dismal 3-0 defeat at Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday.

The Magpies conceded two late penalties and had substitute Jamaal Lascelles sent off in the dying seconds to cap a poor performance, which left Steve McClaren's side two points from safety in the Premier League.

Saturday's visit of West Brom, who are eight points ahead of Newcastle in 14th place, now takes on huge significance, and Elliot accepts the players owe supporters something.

Republic of Ireland international Elliot was one of the few players to escape criticism following the match, after he pulled off a string of impressive saves.

"I can't speak highly enough of the fans. I can only apologise that we didn't put in the performance and get the result we should have got," Elliot said.

"We will do everything we can to put it right for Saturday."

Newcastle have lost 15 of their last 18 games away from St James' Park, and Elliot concedes the situation has to improve if the club are to stay in the top-flight.

But after spending almost £30m in January on Henri Saivet, Jonjo Shelvey and Andros Townsend, as well as bringing in Seydou Doumbia on loan from Roma, Elliot is confident the team can get out of trouble.

"We do need to look at our away form because it is something we need to address," Elliot said.

"Performances prior to this haven't been as bad as results have suggested, but we need to find something to get us going away from home.

"We have to hold our hands up about that. I think we got what we deserved. Now we need to make sure we kick on for Saturday.

"It's one of those situations where no-one is pulling away down the bottom. Everyone is stalling at the first fence.

"It is important for us to get some results and get some points going because if we could get them now, we could pull clear of trouble.

"We need to keep more clean sheets, we need to score more goals, we need to do everything better.

"With the signings we've made and the progress we've made on the pitch, hopefully it's not far off coming."