Lukáš Horníček shines for Czechia as Newcastle stopper reveals late selection twist
Lukáš Horníček has earned praise from Czech fans after carrying his good Newcastle form into Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Croatia.
Fans voting in a Czech reader poll rated him their second-best performer, with the accompanying report highlighting several reflex saves that prevented further Croatian goals.
It was an encouraging competitive debut for our keeper, whose only previous senior appearance for Czechia came in May’s friendly against Kosovo. And he did it after finding out he was starting just two hours before kick-off.
Horníček reveals late selection call
Speaking to iDNES in an interview published on Sunday, Horníček revealed that new coach Santi Denia had kept his goalkeepers waiting until shortly before the game to announce his choice.
He admitted it was unusual, but felt it had kept everyone alert, including the players who eventually came off the bench.
His competition comes from PSV’s Matěj Kovář and Tottenham’s Antonín Kinský. Both backed him when they learned he had got the nod. The goalkeepers’ union and all that.
Horníček said, translated from Czech:
“I hope my performance convinced the coach to give me more chances.”
It doesn’t mean he’s now first choice, but a performance like that won’t have done his claim any harm.
He’s made a very good start with us, and it’s pleasing to see him take that form into international football. More of the same when he’s back in a Newcastle shirt, please!
