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Harper: Newcastle should axe 27-year-old for Luton clash
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper has said that he is hoping to see young shot stopper Freddie Woodman handed his Magpies debut in the FA Cup clash against Luton Town on Saturday.
The north east side will be welcoming their League Two opponents to St James’ Park over the weekend as they kick off their FA Cup campaign, joining the competition in the third round.
They come into the cup tie off the back of a 1-0 win away to Stoke City on Monday, with Ayoze Perez’s goal securing a double over the Potters after a 2-1 win at home earlier in the campaign.
Looking forward to the clash, Harper, who spent 20 years with the Magpies to become the club’s longest ever serving player, stated on his personal Twitter account that he believes that manager Rafael Benitez should be dropping the axe on 27-year-old goalkeeper Karl Darlow, who has started the last two games, in place of Woodman.
The 20-year-old is yet to make his first appearance for the senior side, having come through the youth ranks at St James’ Park, but has six unused substitute appearances to his name this season.
He gained international recognition over the summer, playing a crucial role in the England under-20 squad winning the under-20 World Cup, saving a penalty in the final and being handed the golden glove award for best goalkeeper.
In other Newcastle United news, Matt Le Tissier has slammed a pair of the club’s players in revealing which quartet should be replaced in January.