Rob Elliot has warned Newcastle that they must be “sensible” ahead of their return to the Premier League next season.
Rafa Benitez’ side will be playing top-flight football next term after they won the Championship title on the last day of the season.
The Spaniard ensured the north east club made an instant return to the promise land, with the St James’ Park faithful naturally expecting big things ahead of their return.
Goalkeeper Elliot could only play three Championship matches for his side, with a knee injury keeping him out of action as Karl Darlow stood between the sticks.
Nonetheless, the Irishman offered his thoughts about the Magpies return to the top tier and believes the club should initially be pleased with where they are at.
“We have to be sensible but optimistic,” Elliot told the Chronicle. “There’s nothing we can’t achieve but hopefully, we can do it together with a squad that the lads can be proud of.
“It’s a squad that can be together for a long time. We’re a young squad. People forget that with all of the expectation. It’s just brilliant to be back.
“Outside the club people expected promotion but as an achievement for the lads it’s time to be really proud of everybody.”
A number of players who helped Benitez earn promotion already have vasts amounts of experience in the Premier League.
The likes of Dwight Gayle, Matt Ritchie, Ciaran Clark and Jonjo Shelvey were key players for the former Real Madrid boss and will be once against next term.
Midfielder Shelvey, who has played for the likes of Liverpool and Swansea, is perhaps the club’s most influential player from the middle of the park.
Shelvey’s ability to control a game, pick out a pass and score a goal from long range, will be key to the Magpies picking up vital points next season.