Fred’s hotline to Rafa
Sunday Mail 63
Text messages from Rafa Benitez are giving Freddie Woodman belief that he can be Newcastle’s No.1.
The on-loan Kilmarnock keeper has revealed how the Spaniard checks up on his progress at Rugby Park.
And the 20- year- old is convinced that one day he wi l l be the Magpies’ first-choice stopper.
Woodman has impressed for Killie and kept another clean sheet in midweek against Rangers.
But he has Karl Darlow, Rob Elliot and Matz Sels in front of him at St James’s.
Woodman said: “I ’ m fourth choice at the minute.
“The club’s view is that I’m still a young lad who needs experience. That’s why I’m at Kilmarnock. Hopefully I can go back with a bit of an argument to them.
“The gaffer texts me now and then asking how it’s going. He’s brilliant in that sense. He’s always speaking to me to see how I’m doing.
“I believe in myself enough to think I can go back down to Newcastle one day and be their No. 1. You have to believe in your own ability.
“I’ll go back down there with a view to play or if they want me to go on loan again, I’ll do that, to prove I can do a job for them in future.”
Woodman is pleased at how successful his loan move has worked out.
He said: “One of the big reasons I came here was to experience big games against Rangers and Celtic.
“I’ve played against both in the space of four days. I have a smile on my face because these games are a joy to be involved in.
“The loan spell has been massive for me. I’m learning every day training with Jamie MacDonald and Billy Thompson.
“The competition Jamie gives me is brilliant – he pushes me to be at my best.
“Would I like to be here next season as well? We’ll need to see what happens in the summer.
“If the opportunity comes up and I was offered a chance to return to Scotland, I’d definitely take it. The league is competitive and it has been a thrill for me to play in.”