Newcastle United have needed players to step up during their injury crisis.
Indeed, Tino Livramento has proven worth every penny Newcastle spent on him last summer after being thrust into the action perhaps more regularly than planned.
Anthony Gordon, meanwhile, has carried the team at times and Lewis Miley has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the first-team, called upon due to a lack of other available bodies.
Martin Dubravka is another who has gone on quite the journey.
Initially unconvincing after replacing Nick Pope, the £4m custodian has impressed of late.
Now, he’s been tipped to ask for a new contract.
Martin Dubravka: Newcastle transfer latest
Dubravka’s agent recently suggested his client will see out the rest of the season before assessing his long-term options.
David Zika predicted the club would offer the 35-year-old fresh terms to his current deal which expires in the summer of 2025 and former Newcastle ‘keeper Shay Given has echoed such comments.
Speaking to The Chronicle, Given said: “What you would say is all he can do is control what he can control and he’s playing really well.
“So he’d be well within his rights, if he finishes this season as the number one, to actually go and knock on the door and say ‘I want to stay and extend my contract’.”
Martin Dubravka: Newcastle face decision
While it’s good to see Dubravka impressing again, Newcastle must be cautious.
With Pope the undisputed No.1 when fit, perhaps turning to a younger option to back him up would be wise.
Though goalkeepers obviously age differently to other players in the team, Dubravka has little resale value at 35. During a period in which the club are struggling on the FFP front as it is, every penny surely counts.
Potentially playing himself into the shop window, any offer for Dubravka should be taken given how little is left on his contract.
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