Toothless Saints given a real dressing down

recruit, keeper Martin Dubravka, 29, haven’t transformed the Magpies but they have improved them.

Benitez hopes their impact will strengthen his own hand in the transfer market this summer.

“They have proved the scouting department is working hard and well,” said the Toon boss, never one to resist making his point.

“Both have made a big difference. The keeper is giving confidence to the defenders and Kenedy’s delivery and passing also gives confidence to the offensive players.

Natural

“I have no idea if we can keep Kenedy at the end of the season. We just have to make sure we enjoy him while he is here.”

A second clean sheet in successive home games has made Dubravka, on loan from Sparta Prague, a fans’ favourite.

The Slovakian said: “I don’t want to come across as arrogant, I just want to look like I have enough confidence to help the guys. I just do what is natural to me.”

Meanwhile, in the early hours of yesterday morning, a dishevelled group of young men with South Coast accents and multi-coloured costumes were spotted drowning their sorrows in the Bigg Market.