WOODMAN AIMS TO CAPITALISE ON BIG OUTINGS

FREDDIE WOODMAN is convinced the experience of outings against the Old Firm for Kilmarnock will help him become Newcastle’s No 1.

The 20-year-old has played a dozen games on loan for the Rugby Park club since Jamie MacDonald was surprisingly axed by former manager Lee Clark.

Woodman, son of ex-Crystal Palace keeper Andy and godson of Gareth Southgate, has retained his place under Lee McCulloch.

A clean sheet on Wednesday against Rangers was followed by another impressive performance against champions Celtic in the defeat at Parkhead yesterday.

And he is sure that one day he will prove the lessons learned from his Scottish stint, after spells with Crawley Town and Hartlepool, have prepared him for the job he craves.

Currently fourth in line at Rafa Benitez’s side behind Karl Darlow, Rob Elliot and Matz Sels, Woodman said: ‘I believe in myself to go back down there one day and be No 1 for Newcastle. I think you have to believe in your own ability.

‘I’m doing what they’re saying I should do. I am going out on loan to get experience and going back down there with a view to play.

‘Hopefully, I can go back with a bit of an argument because this loan spell so far has been massive for me. I am playing in important games and learning every day.

‘One of the big reasons I came up here was to experience games like playing against Rangers and Celtic. ‘I played with a smile on my face against Rangers. It was such a joy to play in that atmosphere and get a clean sheet.

‘The league is competitive and it’s been a thrill to play in.’