Eddie Howe highlights 'magnificent' thing Newcastle United star did against Blackburn Rovers

Eddie Howe hailed Martin Dubravka after the goalkeeper saved two penalties against Blackburn Rovers to send Newcastle United in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

The Magpies took the lead through Anthony Gordon in the 71st minute before the Championship side struck back when Sammie Szmodics levelled.

Neither side could find a winner during extra-time, meaning the tie went to penalties. And Dubravka twice came up trumps to deny Szmodics and captain Dominic Hyam.

"I've had a few penalty shootouts in my career as a manager and I definitely prefer them as a player to be honest," said Howe. "It's a strange feeling because you're out of control but a lot was riding on the outcome. I thought the players handled the moment brilliantly, goalkeeper and outfield players. A big moment in our season.

"The two penalty saves were huge for us. In open play he [Dubravka] really performed well today and he needed him to because they had a few big moments.

"I thought the best save he probably made was in the build up to their goal which I thought was a magnificent save to tip it onto the bar but unfortunately he scored the rebound.

"That was probably the most disappointing thing on the night because we worked so hard to lead but to let them back into the game was a kick at that time."

Howe added: "I thought we got better as the game went on. I don't think the first-half was particular good, the second-half was better and extra-time was our best spell of the game by a long way. We shouldn't have allowed it to go to penalties with the chances we missed in extra-time."