Karl Darlow reveals his approach as he prepares for first Premier League game in two years

Dubravka will miss the rest of the month with the knee injury he suffered against Southampton last weekend – and there are fears he could be sidelined until early May.

Darlow – who has made five cup appearances for Newcastle United this season – is set to make his first league appearance since February 4, 2018 when Sheffield United visit St James’s Park on Saturday.

Dubravka has been an ever-present in the league since joining the club, and Darlow, under contract at St James’s Park until 2021, has had to be patient.

The 29-year-old – who played in last week’s FA Cup win over West Bromwich Albion – is ready to help the team through an important few weeks of the season.

“I just need to play as much as I can,” said Darlow, who joined Newcastle in 2014 from Nottingham Forest. “Whenever I get the chance, I’ll do my best for this club.”

Steve Bruce, United’s head coach, revealed after the Southampton game that Dubravka had taken a “whack” on his knee in a collision with Danny Ings at the St Mary’s Stadium. The 31-year-old played on after receiving treatment, but left the stadium on crutches.

And the club yesterday issued a statement on the Slovakia international’s injury.

It read: “Newcastle United can confirm that Martin Dubravka suffered a knee injury in Saturday's Premier League win at Southampton.

“The Slovakia international was hurt just before the hour mark at St Mary's, but played on, keeping his ninth clean sheet of the season. He was then assessed on Monday, and has now been ruled out for at least the rest of this month.”

One report has claimed that Dubravka could miss up to eight league and cup games.

In the meantime, Newcastle are competing for Premier League safety – and an FA Cup semi-final spot.

“We obviously set out our target to get as far as we can in this competition,” said Darlow. “We just need to carry on, and hopefully progress further and further – and see how far we can go.”