NEWCASTLE UNITED’S supporters have given Karl Darlow a massive lift in his own attempts to become a first-team regular at St James’ Park – and he hopes it will be under Rafael Benitez in the Premier League.

Darlow was lauded last weekend for his performance when he followed up a number of strong stops and confident handling by saving a penalty to deny Yohan Cabaye an equaliser for Crystal Palace.

It meant Newcastle moved out of the relegation zone above Sunderland and Norwich City ahead of tomorrow’s trip to bottom club Aston Villa.

It also earned him huge praise from Newcastle’s fans, who chanted his name for the first time since taking over from the injured Rob Elliot on April 2 at Norwich City.

The Northern Echo: Top man: Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow was man of the match
On the up? Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow celebrates after the Premier League win over Crystal Palace

Darlow has a huge part to play in Newcastle’s attempts to stay in the top-flight with neither Elliot nor Tim Krul due to return to action until next season.

He said: “It was a real positive for me, obviously, when you hear the fans sing your name. It feels like it has been a long time coming for me but I have worked hard throughout my career.

“Hopefully this is just the beginning and I can kick on and really go and establish myself at Newcastle.”

Darlow has had to bide his time since making the move from Nottingham Forest in August 2014 along with Jamaal Lascelles. Even after spending the first season back on loan at the City Ground, the pair had not really been used by Steve McClaren in the Premier League.

Injuries forced Benitez’s hand and he has benefited from having the pair forming part of his back five in the recent four match unbeaten run.

Darlow said: “The manager has been brilliant since coming in. He is tactically very good, it is well known and he is an unbelievable manager.

“There is a lot of respect from the players for what he has done in his past. Everyone is listening to his thoughts about what he wants us to do on the pitch.”

Newcastle will head to Villa Park hoping for a victory that could put further distance between themselves and the bottom three, with Norwich due to face Manchester United and Sunderland taking on Chelsea.

The uncertainty surrounding Newcastle’s Premier League status means it is difficult to make significant progress on summer plans for the squad, given the financial consequences relegation would bring.

But Benitez, who would look to put his own stamp on the squad he inherited during the summer, has already given the go-ahead for a couple of early departures.

Both Gabriel Obertan and Sylvain Marveaux have left after reaching agreement with the club. The French pair's contracts were due to expire at the end of the season when they would have become free agents anyway.

Neither were expected to play a part in the final two matches of the season against Aston Villa and Tottenham, so have been allowed to leave.

Obertan, 27, joined Newcastle from Manchester United in August 2011. He made 77 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals, but has not featured for the first team since last September.

Marveaux, 30, arrived in the summer of 2011, from Rennes. He has spent large periods of his time at Newcastle sidelined by injury and made just 57 appearances in nearly five years, scoring twice. He has not played for the club since March 2014.

There is also strong talk that left-back Paul Dummett is set to extend his stay at St James’ Park. He has a year remaining on his existing deal and Newcastle are keen to keep him regardless of the division they are in.