Darlow Determined To Stay Sharp

By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor

Karl Darlow kept league leaders Arsenal at bay on Friday night before two late goals continued the Gunners' 100 per cent start to the Barclays Under-21 Premier League season.

After defender Callum Williams was sent off in the 58th minute at St. James' Park with the score at 0-0, the visitors piled on the pressure only to be denied time and time again by Darlow.

Having already thwarted Kaylen Hinds in the first half, he made superb saves from Jeff Reine-Adelaide, twice, and Alex Iwobi after the break - but was eventually beaten by late goals from Iwobi and Stephy Mavididi as United lost 2-1 despite Alex Gilliead's stoppage time consolation goal.

"It was a good performance from the lads," Darlow told nufc.co.uk. "I think we dominated spells in the first half but then obviously going down to ten men changed the game a bit and we had to defend a bit more than we'd have liked, and unfortunately they took their chances that I couldn't keep out.

"These games are for me to get match time and every time I play, I obviously want to play well so it was good for me.

"It was a good run out for me and I'm happy with my performance but I think the rest of the lads can be happy with theirs. I think the back four played very well and we looked dangerous in the first half going forward."

Darlow has made well over 120 senior appearances in his career, including 42 in the Championship for Nottingham Forest last season, and made his first-team debut for Newcastle in last month's Capital One Cup win over Northampton.

But with Tim Krul in possession of the number one jersey, 24-year-old Darlow revealed that he has asked to play in United's last two Barclays Under-21 Premier League fixtures.

"They're important for me," he said. "I'm not playing at the minute but we've got cup games coming up which I want to be right for.

"I have to keep my eye in. As a goalkeeper these games are a lot different to any training, with balls over the top, long distribution and stuff like that, so it's good for me to get game time and I enjoyed it."

Just as he did in United's previous under-21 game against Blackburn, Darlow wore the captain's armband against Arsenal and admitted that he relishes the responsibility that comes with it.

"I remember coming through and playing in these games," he explained. "You look up to the senior pros in a game and you want them to show a good attitude.

"I'm just hoping that I can do that myself and hopefully help out a few of the lads where I can."