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Jamaal Lascelles has backed Karl Darlow to become a hero in Newcastle ’s relegation fight.

The pair signed for the club together from Nottingham Forest in summer 2014, and Lascelles says his long-term team-mate is ready to step up and show his worth.

Third-choice Darlow will make only his second league appearance for the Magpies in Saturday's crucial six-pointer at Norwich, after Rob Elliot’s season-ending injury playing for the Republic of Ireland in midweek . Tim Krul, the club's No 1, also had his campaign ended on international duty — damaging knee ligaments in a Holland match back in October.

And far from showing nerves at the crucial situation, the 25-year-old is “over the moon”.

Lascelles was part of a rearguard including Darlow at Forest, and says he was “the best keeper in the Championship”.

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The defender also insists Newcastle are “not worried” about relegation, because new boss Rafa Benitez is now in charge and changing the mood.

Lascelles said of Darlow: “Karl can handle it. Honestly. He is a really good goalkeeper, given the chance — which he hasn’t had.

“He got thrown into the West Brom game late. No excuse [but] he maybe wasn’t prepared. Now he is keeper until the end of the season, and I spoke to him today about it and he is over the moon.

“There are no nerves. He is 25, and has played lots of games in the Championship. He is thrown in at the deep end in the situation we are in but he will be great.

“He has played 120-odd senior games. At Forest, he was the best goalkeeper in the Championship at the time. He has gone a bit unnoticed because he has been sat on the bench.

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“Now is his chance to shine, and I am sure he will prove himself to everyone. He can become a hero. The players and fans will back him 100 per cent.”

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Lascelles admits the Norwich game is “must win” but says no one is contemplating relegation.

He said: “It is not nice to be fighting down there, you want to be top of the table. We are not really too worried yet. We have got a lot of trust and faith in Rafa.

“These last games are like cup finals. On Saturday, it is a must-win. We can’t hold back.”

Benitez has held talks with every player in his first team squad, and emphasised the “tiny details” of their performances.

In pictures — Newcastle fight back for a derby draw with Sunderland:

Lascelles said: “He has had a positive influence already. Having someone else is a breath of fresh air — and especially someone who has been at Real Madrid.

“You can tell he has something extra in the way he speaks to us and coaches us. Everyone was pleased. He shows so much respect to us and his door is always open which is important.

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“He has got to know everyone. We have all had a lot of conversations individually. He has a laugh and a joke when the time is right. If you are not doing your job he lets you know and that is what we need.

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“Because he is such a big character and has been at such big clubs no one wants to put a foot wrong. It lifts training and makes it more intense.

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“We know our roles now, the tiny details — if the ball is here , we should be there . Small things [but] really important. That can make the difference.”