‘Unbelievable’; Fans react to Newcastle United loanee Freddie Woodman against Rangers

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Newcastle United’s young goalkeeper Freddie Woodman continues to go from strength to strength with Kilmarnock, inspiring a point against Rangers.

Just a few years after Tim Krul returned all the better from a loan spell at Falkirk, the Dutchman cemented his position as Newcastle United’s undisputed number one.

And, on the basis of last night’s performance, Freddie Woodman can harbour realistic hopes of emulating Krul on Tyneside. The 20-year-old, the Croydon-born son of former Magpies’ goalkeeping coach Andy, moved to Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock in January and is reaping the rewards of regular action.

Keeping Rangers at bay with a string of fine saves at Rugby Park, Woodman demonstrated exactly why he’s so highly rated at St James’ Park. His excellent reflexes and willingness to put his body on the line ensured Pedro Caixinha’s visitors were restricted to a 0-0 draw on Wednesday night.

The Gers may have lacked cutting edge but, tipping Joe Garner’s close range header onto the bar in the night’s standout moment of quality, Woodman did everything that was asked of him with confidence and maturity belying his tender years.

It may be too soon for Woodman to stake a claim to be Newcastle’s very own number one next season with Karl Darlow set to fight it out with Krul after his loan spell at AZ Alkmaar. But, while Washington-born Jordan Pickford stars for Sunderland, The Magpies can believe that they will have their very own locally-sourced goalkeeper between the sticks on Tyneside sooner rather than later.