Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson insists Martin Dubravka's return from injury will be 'huge' for Newcastle.
The Slovakian international had been set to miss Newcastle's FA Cup quarter-final, as well as Slovakia's EURO 2020 play-off games after picking up a medial knee ligament injury in March's 1-0 win over Southampton.
The 31-year-old was ruled out until at least the end of March but after English football's suspension because of the coronavirus, Dubravka is fit and available for Sunday's Premier League return against Sheffield United.
Dubravka was plucked from relative obscurity two-and-a-half years ago when he joined from Sparta Prague but has arguably been Newcastle's most consistent performer.
His performances have attracted interest from the likes of Bayern Munich, Juventus and PSG but his agent told Slovakian media last week that he is keen to be the 'face' of the club post-takeover.
And former Three Lions shotstopper, Robinson, believes his return for Newcastle is vital for the Magpies' prospects for the rest of the season and believes he is not far behind the top 'bracket' of Premier League goalkeepers.
“That is huge for them," Robinson told Football Insider.
“He is one of the best signings they have made in a long time and definitely their player of the season.
“They took him on loan originally but signed him permanently at the first opportunity and it has proved to be a great decision.
“There is your Alisson, Ederson and De Gea bracket but Dubravka is top of the bracket just below it.”
