Newcastle's Martin Dubravka reveals what Rafa Benitez told him after his heroics against Man United

Martin Dubravka dives at the feet of Jesse Lingard in Newcastle's win over Manchester United a fortnight ago. Picture by Frank Reid

Rafa Benitez told Martin Dubravka to buy a lottery ticket after his Newcastle United debut.

The goalkeeper was outstanding in the club’s 1-0 win over Manchester United.

Dubravka stopped a first-half shot from Anthony Martial with his leg and made a series of second-half saves to keep Jose Mourinho’s side at bay.

The 29-year-old, signed on loan from Sparta Prague, shrugged off praise for his performance ahead of this afternoon’s game against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

“I just tried to stay focused in every minute, stay calm,” said Dubravka. “I didn’t want the ball flying everywhere or me to rush out. OK, I made one save (from Martial), but I didn’t want to celebrate it.

“It was my first game. I’m not a hero. Many people said to me after the game ‘I’m a hero.’ My reaction was ‘it was the first game, you will forget this’.”

Dubravka quickly settled into the game – with the help of the club’s fans.

“I felt it, of course, the atmosphere from the stadium – and the fans were amazing,” said Dubravka.