Steve Bruce has a message for Karl Darlow at Newcastle United

Darlow was outstanding in last night’s goalless draw against Liverpool at St James’s Park.

Martin Dubravka, Newcastle’s first-choice goalkeeper, was on the bench after recovering from a summer heel operation. However, Dubravka, a Premier League ever-present up to this season – will have to wait for his chance because of the form of Darlow.

"I’m in a fortunate position,” said Bruce, United’s head coach. “I’ve got two excellent goalkeepers, one who’s just got back fit who was our player of the year last year.

"So Karl has waited patiently for his chance because of the form of Dubravka, but, at the moment, he’s the No.1 because of the performances he’s putting in. That’s a really healthy position as a manager to have two, three very good goalkeepers.”

Darlow, signed from Nottingham Forest in 2014, made important saves in each half as United kept Jurgen Klopp’s side at bay.

“Of course we need our goalkeeper to play well, and we have to have a little bit of luck along the way, but the effort and the endeavour and the commitment they showed just shows you that it can get you a result,” said Bruce.

“I couldn’t be more pleased. There were signs against Manchester City, which I was pleased about, and to go back-to-back against Manchester City and Liverpool in the manner we’ve done, I couldn’t be any more pleased with what we’ve done tonight.”

Newcastle are 14th in the Premier League with 19 points ahead of Saturday’s home game against Leicester City.