By Paul Robinson

23rd Mar, 2021 | 10:08am

Paul Robinson: 'Exceptional' Darlow will quit Newcastle regardless of relegation

Paul Robinson has tipped Karl Darlow to leave Newcastle United this summer after he was snubbed by England.

The former Spurs and Three Lions number one, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, said he expects the 30-year-old to make a permanent exit from St. James’ Park regardless of whether the club stay up this season.

Darlow lost his place in Newcastle’s starting XI to Martin Dubravka last month, despite a number of eye-catching performances in the first half of the campaign.

According to The Times, Steve Bruce’s handling of the decision angered Darlow, who signed a new five-year deal in September.

Robinson believes recent events make a summer exit inevitable.

“I think he was in with a serious shout of getting in the England squad before he got dropped,” he told Football Insider.

“It would have been between him and Sam Johnstone. Johnstone has been exceptional this season but so has Karl Darlow. His performances gave himself a great opportunity of getting into Gareth Southgate’s plans but Bruce dropped him after an indifferent performance at Manchester United.

“It is always going to be difficult for Darlow with someone of Dubravka’s quality behind him. Manager’s tend to have a loyalty to their number one goalkeeper. It is almost like a comfort blanket.

“Darlow was very highly rated when he was young but he has struggled for game time at Newcastle.

“I think the way he has played this season, and how close he got to an England call up will give him the hunger and desire to go and play regular football.

“I think regardless of whether Newcastle stay up, he will leave this summer.” 

An injury to Jordan Pickford opened up a spot in the England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

West Brom’s Sam Johnstone was selected by Southgate ahead of Darlow.

In other news, Newcastle United stars plot face-to-face talks with Lee Charnley after a ‘shock’ manager twist.