Despite Rafa Benitez humiliating Karl Darlow by bringing him on as sub in the Preston game ... then substituting him ... he could yet stay at Newcastle United.
The goalkeeper made his first appearance of pre-season in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Preston North End.
Darlow, the subject of an unsuccessful £5million bid from Middlesbrough earlier this month, got a 25-minute run-out at Deepdale.
The 26-year-old was a key figure in the club’s Championship-winning campaign.
And Newcastle are prepared to sell him this summer.
However, United manager Benitez says he “hopes” Darlow can stay at St James’s Park.
Asked if he had a future at Newcastle, Benitez said: “I hope so.”
Rob Elliot started the game against Preston, and Freddie Woodman replaced second-half substitute Darlow for the last 20 minutes.
Benitez said: “We have three keepers and we had to give them some time.
“We couldn’t leave one person on the bench, because after one week I think they all needed to play.”