Elliott doubtful for second leg

Newcastle defender Robbie Elliott is a major doubt for tonight’s UEFA Cup clash with Hapoel Bnei Sakhnin after being taken ill with a stomach bug in Israel.

Elliott was sent back to the team hotel shortly before last night’s training session at the Ramat Gan Stadium in Tel Aviv.

The former Bolton defender has performed admirably as an emergency centre-back since Jonathan Woodgate’s departure for Real Madrid last month.

Northern Ireland international Aaron Hughes is standing by to take over as the Magpies attempt to capitalise on their 2-0 first-leg lead and reach the group stage of the competition.