Steve Bruce reveals Newcastle United player's astonishing recovery

Yet, just over a week later, Darlow was back between the posts – and back making saves. The Newcastle United goalkeeper made important stops in each half in yesterday’s 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Darlow had passed a late fitness test to play in the behind-closed-doors Premier League game – Bruce took three goalkeepers to Molineux in case he couldn’t make it – and the 30-year-old came through an awkward game for Bruce's side, who claimed a point thanks to a late free-kick from Jacob Murphy.

“I have to take my hat off to him,” said head coach Bruce. “Not many people would have played with what he played with. He could hardly walk. He put himself on the block, and I thought he played very well.”

Newcastle are 14th in the Premier League with eight points from six games.