Reuters

Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce heaped praise on goalkeeper Karl Darlow after his string of fine saves helped earn a 0-0 draw against champions Liverpool in the Premier League on Wednesday.

Klopp’s team lead the table going into the New Year with 33 points from 16 games, three points ahead of second-placed Manchester United who have a match in hand.

Darlow denied Mohamed Salah in the first half, turning the Egyptian’s shot around the post, before beating away Roberto Firmino’s goal-bound header. The 30-year-old made another excellent save in the 88th minute to keep out Firmino’s header.

Darlow has impressed after being brought into the side in place of the injured Martin Dubravka, keeping three clean sheets in the Premier League this season.

“He’s had to wait patiently for his chance and certainly with the way he’s trained every day -- and Dubravka’s now fit -- we needed our second goalkeeper to stay fit and step up,” Bruce told reporters.

“We’ve had to call on him a bit too much at times but there’s no denying he’s been terrific all season. He’s done fantastically well and, at the moment, the jersey’s his because of the saves he’s made.” Bruce said he would look to bring in reinforcements in the January window.