Steve Howey has backed Karl Darlow to leave Newcastle United after again losing his place in the team.
Howey backs Darlow to leave
Darlow has spent most of the season as Steve Bruce’s number one in the injury absence of Martin Dubravka, having made 25 appearances in the Premier League (Transfermarkt).
However, speaking to Football FanCast, Howey has suggested the 30-year-old should leave Tyneside in search of more regular football. He said:
“For me personally, I would leave because I don’t think he could have done any more.
“That’s the problem with goalkeepers you’ve got to have two very good keepers, but it’s keeping them happy.
“I think Steve Harper, apart from the last little bit of his career, was second string all the time. Which is fine, but as a professional, personally, I wanted to play all the time.
“Darlow’s had a taste of first-team football and done very well. He’ll be thinking, I don’t want to sit on the bench again, I want to play.”
Perhaps for the best
Darlow has not embarrassed himself this term, and has shown that he has what it takes to be a Premier League goalkeeper, making 85 saves in the top flight. Such has been his level of his performances that Sky Sports pundit Matt Murray called him “absolutely awesome” back in January (via Shields Gazette). However, before this campaign, Dubravka had played in every single one of the last 88 top-tier matches, with Darlow’s last Premier League appearance coming during the 2017/18 season.
Should Darlow leave Newcastle?
Yes
No
With Dubravka is once again fit, he has retaken his place as the Magpies’ number one goalkeeper, which has seen Darlow return to his role as a backup option. As Howey says, now that the former Nottingham Forest shot-stopper has had a taste of first-team football, he will likely want more of it.
Unless the Slovakian gets injured again or loses form, the only way that will likely happen for Darlow is if he leaves St James’ Park.
In other news, Newcastle face competition to sign this Europa League ace.
About the Author
