Newcastle United legend launches staunch Martin Dubravka defence against chuckling Everton pundit

Newcastle United legend Shay Given launched a staunch defence of stand-in goalkeeper Martin Dubravka for his performance against the Toffees on Thursday night.

An injury-ridden Newcastle United side let in three late goals at Goodison Park to lose the meeting with Sean Dyche's men 3-0. The fixture had been cagey and fairly even up until the 79th minute when Everton star Dwight McNeil latched onto a rare mistake from ever-reliable Kieran Trippier to slot the ball past Dubravka from the edge of the box.

The 136-app Newcastle United shot-stopper made his first Premier League start of the season against Everton due to an injury to Nick Pope, who is set to miss four months with a dislocated shoulder. The Slovakian had received strong support from Howe and is set to continue between the sticks until Pope returns.

Speaking after the match on Prime Video, Everton legend Leon Osman said: "I thought maybe the goalkeeper would have been able to do better. I don't think it went right in the top corner. I thought it was quite low... maybe it was the power?"

Former Newcastle United star Given, who was also working as a pundit, replied: "What I would say is that nick makes a big difference. It took a nick of Schar's leg as he tries to block it. I think, as you say, the power just flew past Dubravka. I don't think you can question Martin on that one."

Chuckling on air at Given's response, Osman said: "Goalkeeper's union! I'm not complaining about it. When you hit a shot from the edge of the penalty area, if it goes in the top corner, brilliant. That's nowhere near the top corner. I wondered if Shay thought the goalkeeper could have done better. He clearly does not."

Newcastle United have been linked with a move for out-of-favour Arsenal star Aaron Ramsdale and former Manchester United man David De Gea this week, but Howe has reiterated his faith in the options at his disposal.