Newcastle have opened their Europa League campaign with a 0-0 draw against Maritimo in Portugal.

The Tynesiders fielded a scratch side and had young goalkeeper Rob Elliot to thank for keeping the scoreline clear after a number of excellent saves.

Alan Pardew stated that he was impressed with his inexperienced stopper and feels that Maritimo were a tough opponent.

"Rob has waited a long time - since the [Nottingham] Forest game, really - to stake his claim," he told Sky Sports.

"We know him very well, myself and the goalkeeping coach [Andy Woodman] because of Charlton, and this is a shot-stopper, this is a great goalkeeper.

"What he did at the start of the game is what he does in training every day, and I was pleased for him in every aspect of his game, very, very pleased with him.

"He was outstanding, as well as the back four against a really difficult surface and difficult opponents.

“Maritimo are a team who are going to surprise teams here. They are very, very good - their record suggests that.

"Therefore, taking all that into consideration, I thought a draw was a great result," he concluded.

Newcastle face Norwich on Sunday at the Sports Direct Arena.

By Gareth McKnight