Newcastle United strategy saves millions as Martin Dubravka's full-time reaction speaks volumes

There were no tears. Not this time. On an afternoon Newcastle United fans told Martin Dubravka they wanted him to stay, the goalkeeper gave the Gallowgate End a thumbs up at full-time following a 3-1 win against Bromley.

As Dubravka threw an arm around Matt Targett, and shared a joke with his Newcastle team-mate on the lap around the pitch, the Slovakia international did not look like a player who was about to bid farewell to St James' Park. What a contrast to those emotional scenes at the Emirates on Tuesday night.

Eddie Howe acknowledged a 'difficult situation arose' after Dubravka entered the final months of his contract, but the Newcastle boss stressed the 35-year-old was 'very much part of our future'. "Hopefully, we can find a solution that keeps him happy," Howe said after his much-changed side booked their place in the FA Cup fourth round.

The future certainly looks bright. Dubravka may be this side's elder statesman, but Lewis Miley played like he was a seasoned veteran during a man of the match display on Sunday.

It is rare you see someone so young fielded in a position of such responsibility at the base of the midfield yet it was rather telling that Miley did not let his head drop after Cameron Congreve wriggled away for Bromley's shock opener; the 18-year-old took matters into his own hands just a few minutes later and scored a stunning equaliser.

After bouncing back from the first serious injury of his career, Miley felt he had come back 'stronger and better'. "I'm on the rise now," he vowed following his first start in nearly a year.

Miley is not the only one. In fact, more than a third of the players in Newcastle's squad on Sunday were aged 23 and under. Debutant Trevan Sanusi is 17. Miley is 18. Lewis Hall and Alex Murphy are 20. William Osula is 21. Tino Livramento is 22. Anthony Gordon is 23.

Just as there has been substantial investment at academy level to recruit prospects like Sanusi and Murphy, the bulk of Newcastle's first-team budget has been spent on individuals with high potential in the last couple of years who could end up saving millions in the long run. These are signings who have been polished by a coaching team who relish working with young, mouldable, technical players.

"That's the way the game is going," Howe told reporters. "PSR does force your hand a little bit in that respect. You're always looking for ways that will affect your team on the pitch that cost less, but it's always been my way to try and produce young players and to try and give young players an opportunity to grow and develop into the team. I've got no issue doing that. Of course we are under high expectations to do well and achieve so it's always a balancing act."

This was a cup tie where Newcastle were certainly expected to do well, particularly after seven wins on the bounce, but it was League Two side Bromley who struck first. There were just eight minutes on the clock when goalkeeper Grant Smith's long punt up the field was flicked on and Corey Whitely managed to knock the ball on to Cameron Congreve despite being surrounded by three Newcastle shirts. Congreve skipped away from a weak Miley challenge and curled a shot past Dubravka, who was unable to keep the ball out despite getting a hand to it. Newcastle were stunned as the away end hissed: "Who are ya? Who are ya?"

It very nearly got worse for the hosts just a few minutes later after Lloyd Kelly's under hit pass to Matt Targett was pounced upon by Danny Imray. The rapid wing-back raced into an acre of space down the right and lashed an effort just wide of Dubravka's post after Newcastle's defenders backed off.

No wonder Howe used a drinks break to pass on some tactical instructions. It seemed to do the trick. Newcastle soon drew level.

Miley's defence-splitting pass played Osula through and the striker managed to round the goalkeeper, but Omar Sowunmi recovered to make a superb last-ditch tackle. That particular opening may have come and gone, but the ball eventually came back to Miley, who let fly with a rocket from 25 yards that left Smith with no chance.

Rather than celebrating, Miley immediately led his team-mates back to their own half so that the game could get back under way, but Bromley held firm. For all the possession Newcastle enjoyed - the Magpies had a whopping 86.3% of the ball in the first half - the hosts struggled to create clear cut chances against a Bromley side who defended manfully in that opening 45 minutes.

It felt inevitable that Howe would turn to a strong bench at the break and the Newcastle boss introduced Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon. Those changes quickly gave Newcastle a shot in the arm as the hosts moved the ball quickly and with more intent.

The second half had not long got under way when Targett was brought down inside the box after attempting to dance away from Ben Thompson and referee Will Finnie awarded a penalty. Gordon immediately grabbed the ball, placed it on the spot and sent Smith the wrong way to put Newcastle in front.

A third would follow after Bruno's through ball sent Osula racing down the right channel. The striker still had a lot to do, but he took the ball away from Callum Reynolds with a couple of stepovers before cutting inside and whipping the ball into the far corner. It was Osula's first goal for the club. It won't be the last.