Speaking exclusively to This is Futbol, Keith Gillespie has hailed Martin Dubravka’s importance to Newcastle following his recent return to the side.
The Slovakian goalkeeper had played every minute of Newcastle’s 88 Premier League matches since arriving from Sparta Prague, but a heel injury saw him miss the first-half of the campaign.
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With Dubravka sidelined, Karl Darlow stepped into the side and kept four clean sheets in his 25 league appearances.
But for the visit of Wolves back in February, Dubravka, who’d spent almost two months on the bench, was recalled to the side and Newcastle have lost just once in seven matches following his return.
Dubravka didn’t cover himself in glory for West Ham’s first goal earlier this month but bounced back well in the last-gasp 1-1 draw with Liverpool, and Gillespie believes that the goalkeeper is somewhat of an unsung hero for the Geordies.
He told This is Futbol:
“He’s Steve Bruce’s number one choice! Darlow’s performances were excellent, but once Dubravka is back up to speed he’s back in the side.
“Some of the saves he made against Burnley were fantastic and I think he’s a really important player to them.
“I think he was Player of the Year last season, so it shows just how important a player he is for Newcastle.”