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.