Steve Harper says £4m Newcastle star was ‘absolutely outstanding’ last night

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Newcastle United have needed players to step up this season.

Whether it’s been Lewis Miley’s rapid-fire ascension into a first-team player or Tino Livramento hitting the ground running following his move from Southampton, Newcastle have seen heroes emerge.

Clearly, things aren’t going swimmingly well this season but there is obviously a character to this squad. Indeed, they needed as much against Blackburn in the FA Cup on Tuesday night.

Eddie Howe’s side laboured for much of the contest and were taken to penalties. Enter, Mr Martin Dubravka.

Not only did the £4m man make a number of key saves during the game, he produced the goods when it came to spot-kicks, saving twice from 12 yards.

A Newcastle hero of the past was particularly pleased.

Martin Dubravka: Steve Harper delighted for Newcastle star

Steve Harper, a former popular custodian of the Newcastle goal of course and currently working for the club, took to X (formerly Twitter) to send a message to the 35-year-old, hailing him as “absolutely outstanding.”

Martin Dubravka: Newcastle’s FA Cup hero

While there were some initial doubts about Dubravka following Nick Pope’s injury, it has been fantastic to see him impress of late. He may not be perfect but it again underlines the character coursing through Howe’s squad.

To come back from criticism and prove a hero says so much about the players as individuals, as well as the spirit Howe has installed in this group.

Having missed the dismal loss to Arsenal on Saturday through illness, it was an impressive return for Dubravka.

Pope may be back soon and will surely reclaim his starting berth but Newcastle know they have a more than capable back-up on the books. Going forward, perhaps keeping him around by way of a potential new deal isn’t such a bad idea after all.

Dubravka was the hero for Newcastle.