Karl Darlow must displace Hull City number one Matt Ingram to earn a place in Liam Rosenior’s starting line-up. Many expected the Newcastle United goalkeeper to walk straight into the side following his loan move.
Loris Karius’ extended contract, Martin Dubravka’s return and Nick Pope’s exceptional displays this season demoted Darlow to fourth-choice shot-stopper on Tyneside. A loan move appeared to promise regular first-team football but the 32-year-old has a fight on his hands.
Ingram has battled another on-loan keeper, Nathan Baxter, for the gloves in 2022-23. Rosenior kept faith in the former despite signing Darlow on transfer deadline day.
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That trust was repaid, with Ingram keeping a clean sheet as the Tigers edged out a 1-0 win over Cardiff City. The 29-year-old is now almost certain to keep the Toon goalie on the bench for the trip to Stoke City this weekend.
Speaking post-match, Rosenior confirmed nobody has a right to feature in his side without merit - highlighting a similar problem Darlow endured during his time at St James’ Park. He said: "That's not the way Karl sees it and that's not the way I see it (whether Darlow will warm the bench).
“I don't want one player in the squad to be guaranteed a place in the team and no player that I've signed or a player that is here is guaranteed to start. They have to earn it. That's what I love about Karl. I had a great conversation with him. He genuinely wants to be here and he wants to fight for his place in the team. Matty (Ingram) will (also) fight for his place in the team.
"I don't like that saying ‘no one is coming here to sit on the bench' - you come here because you want the team to do well, because you're selfless. Karl's character and knowing him - Barry Richardson (goalkeeping coach) knows him really well - he fits completely into that culture."
