Dubravka back to where it started

MARTIN DUBRAVKA has become Newcastle’s rock – on and off the pitch.

The goalkeeper is ready to face Manchester United at St James’ Park tonight in a rematch of his debut last season, when he produced a remarkable performance in a 1-0 triumph.

Slovakian Dubravka has now racked up 32 games as Rafa Benitez’s No1 and has kept 10 clean sheets in a side fighting relegation.

It has caused European clubs, including Juventus, to scout him but manager Benitez said: “If he continues to do well, it is good for us. If he attracts interest it means he is doing well, a positive.

“He’s an important player for us, not just because of the saves that he is making but because of his character and his attitude.

“He is very professional, he is very positive, so he’s someone that is always good for any team and is a key voice in the dressing room.”

His stats make him one of the class acts in the top flight. He is ranked fifth for clean sheets this season, his six only below the goalkeepers from the top four clubs, with Liverpool’s Alisson leading the way on 12.

Dubravka has also made 59 saves, the seventh most in the league.

His form is remarkable considering Benitez took him from Sparta Prague on loan 11 months ago, and signed him for just £4.3 million in the summer.