‘Really difficult’… Eddie Howe was seriously impressed by what £4m Newcastle player did vs Man United

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Newcastle United’s injury crisis got worse on Saturday night, but it does present Martin Dubravka with an opportunity.

As the Magpies looked to hold on for victory, Nick Pope picked up an innocuous injury. He appears to have dislocated his shoulder after diving to save a shot, and looked to be in a lot of pain as he trudged off the pitch.

The injury meant that Martin Dubravka came on to replace Pope in the 86th minute. It was an extremely difficult moment for the goalkeeper to come on in, as Man United were looking to build up momentum and grab an undeserved equaliser.

They were unable to do that, despite receiving an incredible nine minutes of stoppage time.

It meant Dubravka was out there for about 15 minutes, and during that time he helped Newcastle get over the line and win 1-0 thanks to Anthony Gordon’s goal.

The Slovakian was not tested, but did produce a big moment as he came out to claim a corner and relieve the pressure. It was a vital interception, and one that brought flashbacks of his Toon debut against the same opposition back in 2018.

On that day, Dubravka solidified himself as Newcastle’s number one, and it is a role he could have once again for an extended period after Pope’s injury.

It is such a blow to lose Pope. He is a top level goalkeeper and has been in brilliant form as of late, but Toon fans will have complete confidence in Dubravka as he prepares to return to the starting lineup.

Eddie Howe will certainly have faith in the 34-year-old, and he was very pleased with his contribution off the bench against Manchester United.

Eddie Howe really pleased with Martin Dubravka’s cameo vs Man United

Following the 1-0 win over Man United, Howe spoke to BBC Radio Newcastle. He was full of praise for Dubravka after he was forced to change his goalkeeper for the latter stages of the game.

“But Martin, I thought in a really difficult situation came on and showed his experience and saw the game out really well,” he said.

Howe added: “That wasn’t an easy 15 minutes for any goalkeeper to come in, especially in the cold conditions. He did very well.”

Dubravka is going to be Newcastle’s goalkeeper for some big games

As Howe says, Dubravka showed real composure after coming on against Man United. It was a difficult moment to be introduced, while the freezing conditions made it even more challenging.

But the £4million man delivered and did what was required, as Newcastle’s squad is stretched even further.

Luckily for Howe, he is blessed to have some brilliant goalkeepers, so there are no qualms about Dubravka coming into the side at this stage of the season.

With huge games in the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup coming up, a lot is going to be asked of Dubravka as he comes in from the cold to replace Pope. Like every other player that has come into the side, we have complete confidence that he will deliver.