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Goalkeeper Darlow Aiming To Grasp Chance
Written by Newcastle Utd
Karl Darlow is determined to grasp his first-team opportunity with "both hands", and help United avoid relegation
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Goalkeeper Karl Darlow is determined to grasp his first-team opportunity with "both hands" and hopes to play a key role in Newcastle United avoiding relegation from the Barclays Premier League.
At Norwich on Saturday the 25-year-old made only his third Magpies appearance, following a season-ending knee injury to Rob Elliot, who has joined number one Tim Krul on the sidelines.
And Darlow was unfortunate to end up on the losing side at Carrow Road, having made a handful of fine stops, notably an instinctive block with his leg to prevent Dieumerci Mbokani in the first half.
"I was nervous beforehand but once I got into the game I was okay," the ex-Nottingham Forest stopper told nufc.co.uk.
"I had a few more days to prepare for this one, as opposed to my (Premier League) debut against West Brom (where Darlow replaced Elliot during the warm-up), and it's nice to know that I can prepare for the rest of the season.
"The fans were excellent. I've been inundated with Twitter messages of support, which has been really nice.
"I thank them for that, and the reception they gave me at Norwich, because that really made a big difference. Hopefully I can repay them with some good performances.
"I was gutted for Robbie because he's been unbelievable since he had to step in for Tim, and my best wishes go to him in his recovery.
"Obviously that means I now get a run of games and I'm concentrating on getting these under my belt, really understanding the Premier League and hopefully saving this team from relegation. "Now I've got my opportunity, I need to take it with both hands."
On Saturday at Carrow Road, United twice came from behind to level - both times through Aleksandar Mitrovic - only to concede a stoppage-time winner.
And while Darlow reflected on the disappointed inside the Magpies' dressing room, he knows there is no time for he and his teammates to feel sorry for themselves.
"In the first half we were steady but conceded right on the brink of half-time.
"But we came out in the second half, showed a lot of fight and desire and could have gone and won the game.
"Battling back twice, after going one-goal down and then 2-1 down, showed great character.
"The match was on a knife-edge and unfortunately it swung their way. It could have gone either way so to concede right at the end was a killer blow. It's massively disappointing.
"We've got seven games left now and we need to show that heart and desire away from home again next week at Southampton.
"Hopefully we can turn promising performances into wins, because we need them as soon as possible."