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Freddie Woodman has been called up to the England under-21 squad despite the fact he is yet to play a single minute of Premier League football this season.

What's the word?

Newcastle United's back-up goalkeeper has been bookmarked as one for the future, but his development is likely to be stunted by his lack of first-team opportunities.

The 22-year-old has made just three appearances for the first-team this season, all of which arrived in the FA Cup.

According to Chronicle Live, Woodman wants a loan move away from the club, but there is plenty of reason to suggest that he should be looking for a permanent move instead.

 Dubravka shall not be moved

The decision to sign Martin Dubravka on an initial loan deal in January 2018 arrived as a surprise to the Magpies faithful. The Slovakia international was something of an unknown entity when he left Sparta Prague for the North East, but his performances since arriving at the club have justified what now looks like a genius decision from the club.

Dubravka has established himself as a first-team regular and a firm favourite amongst the St James' Park faithful. As much as the fans want Woodman - a player who has risen through the academy ranks on Tyneside - to succeed, it's difficult to see how he fits into the picture at present.

At just 30-years-old there is no rush to replace Newcastle's number one and he could yet enjoy another half decade at the club, so Woodman should push for a permanent move in the summer window to breathe new life into his stuttering career.