'WE NEED TO BE BRAVE' DEMANDS DÚBRAVKA AHEAD OF NEWCASTLE RETURN

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Clarets shot-stopper relishing Newcastle reunion

2025-12-05T15:10:25.267Z

'WE NEED TO BE BRAVE' DEMANDS DÚBRAVKA AHEAD OF NEWCASTLE RETURN

Clarets shot-stopper relishing Newcastle reunion

2025-12-05T15:10:25.267Z

Clarets shot-stopper relishing Newcastle reunion

Burnley No.1 Martin Dúbravka insists the Clarets need to have the 'right mentality and be brave' to come away with a result when they head to Newcastle on Saturday to face the Magpies.

The Clarets travel to the North East looking to put an end to a run of five straight Premier League defeats and although it will be an emotional return for Dúbravka, who spent seven years on Tyneside before signing for Burnley in the summer, the shot-stopper has full focus on claiming a result from his former side.

Speaking to the media ahead of the trip to St James' Park, Dúbravka said: "Well, first of all we need to be brave. We need to have the right intensity, we need to have the right mentality and we have to show that bravery out there on the pitch, because Newcastle is a difficult place to go for a lot of teams.

"I obviously know St James' Park well and it can be an unreal atmosphere, but also very hostile as well for away teams and we can't get caught up in the emotion of that and I'm more than sure the boys are ready for it."

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Dúbravka signed for United in January 2018 and went on to make nearly 200 appearances in black and white over seven-and-a-half seasons in Newcastle.

This weekend will be the Slovak's first trip back to where he enjoyed plenty of success and also raised both of his children, who will be at the match on Saturday alongside his family.

The goalkeeper admitted that it will be a 'strange' feeling going back to St James' and expects a welcoming reception from the Geordies, but insists his approach to the game will be no different and is aiming for nothing less than three points.

"It will be a strange feeling, because I represented the club for seven years. I've played at St. James' Park almost 100 times, so I know how it is to be playing for them, now it's going to be the first time playing against them.

"I'm really looking forward to going back and seeing so many old faces, teammates, coaches, staff, fans, everyone, but I'm representing Burnley now so I need to approach the game in the right mentality and the preparation will be no different and all the Newcastle guys know me well enough, I want to win."

'WE NEED TO BE BRAVE' DEMANDS DÚBRAVKA AHEAD OF NEWCASTLE RETURN - Image 2

The Slovakia international is hoping for a warm reception when he enters the field for the first time since departing in the summer, but it's not just a big game for himself, with both of his Newcastle-born children in attendance.

"I hope it's a good reception, I think it will be. I spent some real time there and the fans were amazing with me and even now still are. When I joined Burnley I got so many messages wishing me luck and I really do appreciate it.

"Also, both my kids will be there too, they are both Geordies, they were both born in Newcastle and it will also be a nice day for them, I think.

"It will probably be a little bit emotional for me, because I never really imagined playing against Newcastle for another club in the Premier League, so it's going to be an interesting day that's for sure, but my full focus is on the match first and getting a result for Burnley."