Jack Butland is all smiles after undergoing successful ankle operation and invites Rob Elliot to watch Euro 2016 at his house

Stricken England goalkeeper Jack Butland says he and Rob Elliot can watch Euro 2016 together after his Republic of Ireland counterpart was ruled out for six months with a knee injury.

Newcastle stopper Elliot had looked set to start for the Irish in France but will now miss the remainder of this season and the start of next after damaging his cruciate ligament during the 2-2 draw with Slovakia on Tuesday night.

It is a cruel blow for the 29-year-old, who started the campaign as United's third-choice keeper and was way down the pecking order at international level.

England and Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland gives a thumbs up after his successful ankle operation

The 23-year-old keeper tweeted to say he is hoping to return 'better than ever' when he returns from injury

Butland looks dejected after sustaining the ankle injury during England's 3-2 win over rivals Germany

Elliot replaced Dutchman Tim Krul – who also suffered a knee injury playing for his country – in October and has been his side's star player this term, despite their battle at the bottom of the Premier League.

New boss Rafa Benitez will now turn to former Nottingham Forest custodian Karl Darlow for the final eight games – starting with a trip to relegation rivals Norwich on Saturday – and England Under-19 star Freddie Woodman will be promoted to the bench. 

England's Butland, meanwhile, has undergone surgery on the broken ankle he suffered during the 3-2 win in Germany on Saturday.

The Stoke keeper has accepted that he will miss the Euros, but the 23-year-old has sent his best wishes to fellow injury-victim Elliot.

'Gutted for you and wish you a solid recovery! You can come round mine and we can watch the Euros together! Head up mate!' he tweeted.

Elliot replied: 'Gutted for you. Come back stronger big man. Sounds a plan. I will bring the beers'.

Butland invited fellow goalkeeper Rob Elliot to watch Euro 2016 at his house following his knee injury

Elliot responded to Butland's tweet on Wednesday by accepting the invitation - adding he'll 'bring the beers'

Newcastle custodian Elliot receives medical attention after hurting his knee during a friendly on Tuesday

Butland also gave an update on his own fitness, adding: 'Very pleased to say the operation was successful! I'm three more screws closer to a walking toolbox! 'But seriously, this is where the hard work begins! I can't wait to get stuck into recovery and return better than ever!' Former Newcastle favourite Shay Given will replace Butland for the Potters and a run of games could be enough to win him a starting jersey for Ireland this summer.

But while Stoke are chasing a European spot, Given's old club remain three points from safety.

Newcastle playmaker Georginio Wijnaldum – who starred for Holland in their 2-1 win at Wembley on Tuesday – says Benitez can restore belief among the players by going on the offensive.

'He's a good man, a nice man. He's relaxed, a man who's working to get us confidence because that's what we need now and that's what he does,' said the nine-goal top scorer.

'What I heard, in the beginning, is that he wants to play really defensive, but I didn't see that. 'He wants to attack. He wants to score goals, but he wants to make sure that the way you stand defensively is good before you attack, so he makes a good base and from there you can score.'

Stoke and Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given (right) is expected to benefit from Butland and Elliot's injuries