Despite manning the goal for the majority of the campaign as Newcastle ran out victors in the Championship last term, Karl Darlow has yet to taste league action this season.
The 27-year-old’s only game thus far came in the Carabao Cup second-round defeat to his former club Nottingham Forest in August.
The English goalie has expressed frustrations at his lack of game time, and having been linked with an exit in the summer, with Reading and Middlesbrough keen, a January departure appears to be on the card.
Darlow recently revealed: “Of course it’s been a frustrating start for me.
“I’ve wanted to play but it’s the manager’s decision so I have to stick by it, just keep working hard on the training ground and hope things improve for myself.
“But I’m so pleased for the lads because we worked so hard last season to get up and to see them doing well in the Premier League is excellent.
“I relish the chance to play Premier League football again. It’s what I want to do, and I’ll keep trying my hardest to make it a reality again.”
Given Rob Elliot’s impressive form, it’s hard to see Darlow getting back into Rafa Benitez’s XI.
The Spaniard is also looking to bring in another netminder in January, and that will further signify a lack of chance for the former Nottingham Forest man.
Darlow remains a top backup option, but he’s clearly doesn’t have enough to convince Benitez he’s capable of impressing in the topflight, and it seems he’s nearing the end of his short Newcastle career.
