Bruce hails show of his No 1 man
STEVE Bruce has expressed his delight at the performance of goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
The Slovakia international faced 24 goal attempts against Burnley but held firm for the majority of the game to help Newcastle United record a crucial 2-1 win.
Dubravka returned to the team for the Premier League game against Wolves and after starring six times has only tasted defeat once, at Brighton.
Bruce claimed his No 1 man was instrumental in the victory at Turf Moor, saying: “Martin made a big save just before half time.
“Up until then, I would have expected him to make the saves he made but he was so dominant, which was what we needed.”
Bruce was also delighted with the way his side coped with Burnley’s direct tactics.
Speaking on opposite number Sean Dyche, he added: “I don’t think Dychey gets the credit he deserves.
“You know with Burnley it is coming into your box.
“They pile it in, they have wonderful delivery from Ashley Westwood, Dwight McNeill and the right-back Matthew Lowton in particular.
“They put it on the money all the time.
“So you need your goalkeeper to come out and be dominant.
“That, in my opinion, was Martin’s best performance in a long time.
“I know he has been injured but he looked very, very assured and very dominant.”
Bruce’s side is now sitting on 32 points with seven matches to play.
He reflected: “It was three points towards that magic figure.
“It does not matter what the other teams do, you have to get there yourself.”