Newcastle United 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur - Jordan Cronin reacts
Newcastle United have the option to buy Aaron Ramsdale permanently next summer.
Ramsdale was making only his second appearance for the Magpies following his season-long loan move from Southampton in the summer.
The 27-year-old was one of eight changes from Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League win against Fulham, who coincidentally are United’s quarter-final opponent.
Fabian Schar put Newcastle in front in the 24th minute when he rose highest to head home Sandro Tonali’s corner. Nick Woltemade then doubled the lead early in the second half, meeting Joe Willock’s cross.
Eddie Howe praises Aaron Ramsdale’s display v Tottenham Hotspur
The Magpies were able to record an eighth clean sheet of the campaign, and they had Ramsdale to thank after he was at full stretch to keep iut Pape Matar Sarr’s corner-bound shot.
Not only was the former Arsenal man’s shot-stopping highlighted by Howe, but his distribution was too.
“Yeah, he was very good tonight, Aaron,” Howe said. “I was really, really pleased with the big save he made in the second half. I thought that was an outstanding reflex save and showed his agility and his power. He distributed the ball really well, I think that's one of his big strengths.”
And his conduct behind the scenes
Ramsdale’s limited appearances so far have been due to the form of Nick Pope, with only Arsenal’s David Raya keeping more clean sheets in the Premier League this season.
Howe admitted Ramsdale, capped by England five times, wants to play more but spoke highly of his conduct behind the scenes.
“We've known Aaron for a long time and I think the big thing for him coming to this club was that he wanted to come,” Howe continued. “He was desperate to join us, and he's acted that way ever since as well.
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“There's been no hint of frustration or negativity in the fact that he's not played as much as he wants to. He wants to play more. He's supported Nick really well but he's been really positive. His energy's been really good around the group.
“I think because of all that attention he's focused on his training and his work with the goalkeeper coaches, which has been excellent, he then produces a performance like he did tonight. So, a really, really big moment for him and I'm delighted for him.”
Newcastle United have Aaron Ramsdale buy option
With still a long way of the season to go, Ramsdale will hope to displace Pope at some stage. And doing that would boost his chances of earning a permanent move to Newcastle, who have a £20m buy option.
"It's great to be here,” Ramsdale said on joining Newcastle. “I've always loved coming here and I've seen how passionate and loud the fans can be. I've always loved playing here at St. James' Park - I've not always had the greatest of results, but when the fans get behind you it's some place.
"Coming to the stadium and seeing it empty today, it's quite surreal to think that this is going to be home for the foreseeable future. I've got the kit on, it’s got the nice Champions League badge on the sleeve and I'm delighted to be here.
"Working with the manager and his coaching staff again were a big draw for me. They've already had a great influence on my career and the gaffer turned me from a man into a professional footballer at Bournemouth. He really showed me the ropes so the manager and his coaching staff were a huge selling point for me to come here."
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