Some Newcastle United fans are backing Karl Darlow to keep his place against Sheffield United, despite Martin Dubravka now being back in the picture.
The Slovakia international made his first appearance of the season against Arsenal in the FA Cup after being sidelined for months with a heel injury.
The 31-year-old has been superb for the club since arriving initially on loan in January 2018.
He was extremely consistent and practically ever-present since signing, but his hopes of a strong 2020/21 were dashed when he suffered his injury in training.
He than had complications during his rehab in what has been a very frustrating period for him.
But now he’s back in the picture, and talk has turned to who will be the regular Newcastle number one going forwards.
Darlow has been in inspired form for the club since Dubravka has been sidelined, and one wonders how much closer to the relegation zone the club would be without his brilliant contributions.
But Dubravka reminded people of his quality against Arsenal, meaning Steve Bruce definitely has a selection headache on his hands.
In the eyes of some Magpies supporters on social media, dropping £25,000-a-week star Darlow (Spotrac) against Sheffield United tonight would be a very harsh call from the manager and perhaps send out the wrong message:
Listen, there is absolutely no doubt Dubravka is a fantastic keeper. That isn’t in question. The fact is Darlow has been just as good this season and has won us so many points. It would be disgusting for Bruce to drop Darlow. #NUFC
— Paul (@thetoonreview) January 11, 2021
Darlow deserves to stay number 1 for me.
— Gary (@garrypo57435032) January 11, 2021
Darlow has to play. It won’t be his fault but this is pro the fixture sheff utd have needed all season.
— Simon MacGillivray (@simmac85) January 11, 2021
as much as i like dubravka i think darlow deserves to keep it for the minute…
— Gary Mcglasson (@McglassonGary) January 11, 2021
Start Darlow. Anything else is wrong #nufc
— David Mitchell (@DavidMitch27) January 11, 2021
How you can drop Darlow is beyond me. It really is!!
— Sam Busby △⃒⃘🎅🏼🎄 (@BradyBusby12) January 11, 2021
Dubravka is the better keeper but darlow has been our best player so far performance wise and deserves to keep his place
— Sheps (@nicktoon1) January 11, 2021