Martin Dubravka is unhappy about his lack of game-time at Newcastle United - but Steve Bruce says Karl Darlow has earned his extended run in the team.

The Slovakia international was number 1 last season but then suffered a cracked heel bone at the club's pre-season training camp in York.

Since then Dubravka has had to recover and wait patiently for his chance, sitting 10 times on the bench in the Premier League and getting an FA Cup outing against Arsenal on third round day.

Failure to progress in the FA Cup has dented Dubravka's chances of playing more regularly but Darlow has done nothing wrong between the posts.


Dubravka made his debut against Man United three years ago and kept a clean sheet with the former Sparta Prague man just 10 appearances away from 100 at Newcastle.

When asked about Dubravka, Bruce said: "He’s been very professional but that doesn’t mean he’s happy (with not playing) and I wouldn’t expect him to be.


"I’ve stayed with Karl because I think he deserves it - all season we've said how well he's played but I need that competition."


Whoever Bruce decides to go with at Old Trafford - hardly a happy hunting ground for the Magpies down the years - they will be facing a buoyant Man United side, who go into the game fresh from a resounding win over Real Sociedad in Turin.

Man United have effectively booked their place in the last 16 of the tournament following the excellent first leg victory.

Bruce, a club legend at Man United, watched on with both interest and privately perhaps some apprehension.

He said: "We know how difficult it is going to be.

"They were magnificent in Turin against a very good (Real) Sociedad team.

"They've ripped them to bits so we know what they've got - there is a threat at the top end of the pitch so we're going to have to defend well. "

I'm not suprised he's unhappy - whilst I acknowledge how well Darlow has done, I think that Dubs is hte better keeper and should come back into the side.

However, I also think that Darlow is a Bruce player - think it is unlikely he'll be dropped, unless really forced to.