Calls for former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Karl Darlow to receive an England call-up grew last night as he repelled Premier League champions Liverpool.
The Newcastle United stopper produced a man of the match display as the Magpies held Jurgen Klopp’s side to a goalless draw at St James’ Park.
Darlow made a serious a wonderful stops, including one to deny Mo Salah which has been touted as a contender for save of the season.
Speaking to Amazon Video after the game, Darlow admitted he was aware of the clamour for him to be drafted into Gareth Southgate’s squad.
“I’m aware of it, it would be silly for me to say I’m not aware of it. I know what’s going on and hopefully I can keep performing how I have been,” said Darlow, who left Forest for Newcastle in 2014.
“If that gets me in contention, I’ll be over the moon with that. I just need to keep carry on performing and hopefully that might happen.”
Darlow’s performance won praise from Toon Army great Alan Shearer, who was covering the game for Amazon Video.
"You know when you’re playing against Liverpool, the quality of their forwards, you’re going to have to have a good game. You’re going to have to rely on the goalkeeper at one stage of the game,” said Shearer.
"In the second half, when required, he came up with the goods. He was big and strong and he kept them out.
"There was no way they were going to get past him this evening. The defenders in front of him worked extremely hard, but when they got past the defenders, he was exceptional. Superb."
Darlow’s heroics came as Martin Dubravka returned to the Newcastle squad after long-term injury.
Magpies boss Steve Bruce said: “I’m in a fortunate position. I’ve got two excellent goalkeepers, one who’s just got back fit who was our player of the year last year.
“Karl has waited patiently for his chance because of the form of Dubravka, but at the moment, he’s the number one because of the performances he’s putting in.”
