DUBRA’S A REAL DEAL

NEWCASTLE goalkeeper Martin Marti Dubravka Dubra ka was as outstanding out on his Premier League debut during yesterday’s 1-0 win over Manchester United. We take a closer look at the January loan signing…

WHERE DID HE COME FROM?

Slovakian Dubravka’s first club was Zilina, where he made his debut in 2009. After spells with Esbjerg in Denmark and Slovan Liberec in the Czech league, he joined Sparta Prague last summer, but lost his place in the side after a shaky start. He did not hesitate to join Newcastle when the call came from Rafa Benitez last month.

CAN THE MOVE BE PERMANENT?

Yes. It is understood there is a £4milion option to buy and that looks a bargain based on this evidence. As one excited fan tweeted: ‘Can goalkeepers win the Ballon d’Or?’

WHY DID NEWCASTLE NEED A NEW GOALKEEPER?

Benitez was frustrated when a deal for Willy Caballero collapsed in the summer and he does not think Rob Elliot or Karl Darlow are good enough to be his No 1. Dubravka was the difference between three points and possibly none against United, so it is already looking a shrewd judgement.

IS HE AN INTERNATIONAL?

At 29, Dubravka has nine caps for Slovakia. This was his first appearance in one of the top five European leagues, and there is little on his c.v. to suggest he should be a success in England. But Benitez insists he is the real deal and it could well be that he has unearthed a gem.