Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka says he has been given a “big opportunity” after joining Newcastle United on loan until the end of the season and he is hoping to grasp the chance with both hands.
Dubravka was one of three loan signings to arrive at St James’ Park in January and he was handed his debut in the recent 1-0 home victory against Manchester United.
The Slovakia international produced a brilliant performance in front of a packed crowd and was named man-of-the-match after making a string of saves to deny the Red Devils.
Frenchman Anthony Martial was thwarted when one-on-one, Ashley Young’s curling effort from inside the box was then parried away before Michael Carrick’s close-range shot in stoppage-time was tipped away one-handed.
That victory took the north-east outfit out of the bottom three and into 13th place although they are still only two points clear of the relegation zone.
Dubravka is expected to retain his starting place for Saturday’s Premier League clash at Bournemouth as Rafael Benitez’s men look to pull away from the relegation zone.
The 29-year-old keeper says he is extremely happy with the loan move that has come his way and is hoping to impress.
“It was a big opportunity for me to come to this big club with great history and very good players,” Dubravka told the Shields Gazette.
“I was very happy and very satisfied that I could compete with the best players in the Premier League.
Now I’m here and trying to get used to it.” Newcastle are 3.50 outsiders to pick up all three points at the Vitality Stadium, the draw is priced at 3.40 whilst the Cherries are 2.15 favourites to complete the double over the Magpies.
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