Darlow was joined by fellow stoppers Martin Dúbravka, Rob Elliot, Matz Sels and Freddie Woodman at the Magpies’ pre-season base, and was given the chance to stake a claim by being handed the starting berth against St. Patrick’s Athletic in Tuesday night’s 2-0 friendly win at Richmond Park.
He was brought off at the interval after taking a knock late in the first half, with Sels taking over between the sticks. But, speaking to nufc.co.uk after the final whistle, Darlow appeared confident that the injury sustained will not interfere too much with his preparations for the new campaign, and highlighted the camaraderie within Newcastle’s ‘keeping department as having been key to a productive week.
“We’ve five great goalkeepers who are all pushing one another in training, which is brilliant,” he said. “We all get on well, and there’s a very good rapport there we can work with. (Goalkeeping Coach) Simon Smith has been excellent with us, working us hard and getting us back to where we need to be to play games.
“It’s always great to play for Newcastle, and I’ll always try my best whenever I’m given the opportunity. Whether it’s pre-season, a cup game or in the Premier League, I’ll relish them all and enjoy playing football.
“Tonight, I’ve just clashed with the striker with the inside of my knee. It hit part of him – I don’t know what part – but it shouldn’t be too bad. I couldn’t stand up straight at the time, but hopefully it’s nothing too serious, and it’s just a bit of swelling.”
Young duo Sean Longstaff and Josef Yarney were the only players to complete 90 minutes at Richmond Park, with the former opening the scoring for the Magpies late in the first half.
The likes of Víctor Fernández and Callum Roberts were also involved against the League of Ireland side after travelling to Carton House, and Darlow paid tribute to the contribution made by United’s young contingent over the past seven days.
“They’ve been excellent throughout the whole trip – training-wise, they haven’t looked out of place," he said. “They’ve been good to be around, and hopefully they’re learning – and have feel welcomed by – the senior pros. They’re a credit to the youth system that’s here and I think they’ve been excellent throughout their time here in Ireland, so hopefully we can look forward to them progressing through.
“We’ve trained hard since we come back – I think today was the 12th day in a row we’ve been in – so it’s been a tough start, but we’ve got a lot of work in the legs, it’s all good fitness for us and tonight gave us a good run out at the end of a good trip. It’s a credit to St. Patrick’s that they put a good pitch on, the team are a good side – well organised, fit – and it was a good workout for us, especially for the outfield lads.”
