SHUTDOWN CRUEL ON KARL
NEWCASTLE manager Steve Bruce is full of sympathy for goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
The 29-year-old has not played a league game since February 4, 2018 following Martin Dubravka’s arrival from Sparta Prague. Dubravka has gone on to become one of the Premier League’s best
goalkeepers, making the most saves in the top flight this season.
Darlow has been restricted to cup ties this term, but was gearing up for an extended run after Dubravka damaged knee ligaments in the 1-0 win at Southampton 10 days ago, putting him out for at least a month. However, those plans
have been scuppered by the suspension of all football due to coronavirus and Darlow knows Dubravka should be available again when games eventually resume.
“Karl’s played very well in the games he’s had,” said Bruce, who can also call on Rob Elliot, while Freddy Woodman is on loan at Swansea. “We’re very fortunate that we have three or four good goalkeepers. The kid at Swansea, who we’re monitoring, is performing well too. I see Karl every day and he is really decent.
“He’s been waiting all these years. If he does eventually get his chance, I have no problem because he’ll be a very good deputy.”
Newcastle coach Steve Harper can empathise with Darlow more than most, having been Shay Given’s understudy at St James’ Park for years.
“Steve went three or four years without playing at a time when he was absolutely terrific,” said Bruce.
“His loyalty maybe got in the way of his career because he could easily have been a No1 anywhere else. But he loved Newcastle that much he stayed.”