Alan Shearer says Karl Darlow should stay as Newcastle United's number one goalkeeper.
The 30-year-old has had to put up with being Newcastle's long-term number two, making just 63 league appearances since moving to Tyneside permanently in 2015.
Yet Martin Dubravka's injury has seen Darlow feature in all 10 of the Magpies' Premier League matches this season and he has been in impressive form.
The former Nottingham Forest stopper was once again at the top of his game in Newcastle's 2-0 win over Crystal Palace as he pulled off a number of crucial saves to keep the scores goalless before late strikes from Callum Wilson and Joelinton secured the Magpies a morale-boosting victory.
Dubravka, Newcastle's usual first-choice keeper, has been out of action all season after undergoing surgery on his heel but is expected to return at some point in December.
Yet Shearer believes Darlow has done enough to retain his spot in goal even when his teammate returns to fitness.
Speaking on Amazon Prime, Shearer argued Darlow's performances have been such a positive for Newcastle this season that it would not make any sense to drop him for Dubravka.
"He's really been impressive, some of the saves he's had to make," Shearer said. "Not just this evening but over a large part of this season.
"He should stay in when Dubravka's fit. He's done enough to keep the shirt and he's been one of the positives of this season.
"So long may that continue and the form that he's in.
"There were some good saves, he got down quickly to some and had the confidence to palm them away.
"He's been a big, big player for Newcastle this season, certainly."
