With Freddie Woodman suffering an injury, Darlow has started between the sticks for Newcastle in their last five Premier League games on the trot.
Woodman is back in contention, while club number 1 Martin Dubravka has returned to training and Darlow now has his work cut out to ensure he gets game time.
However, the 31-year-old has insisted that the competition for places is nothing new for him as Newcastle have had talented group of goalkeepers since he has been at the club.
Darlow stressed the need for him to maintain his standards in training and while playing and revealed he shares a healthy, respectful relationship with his fellow shot-stoppers at St. James’ Park.
Asked about competition for a spot between the sticks, Darlow told NUFC TV: “Yes absolutely, [I need to keep my levels in training and pitch up].
“I think I have had it last year and I have had it years before.
“We have had great goalkeepers for the whole time I have been here.
“So, it is nothing new for me to know that there are people behind me and obviously there is respect there in the goalkeeping group.
“We push each other on, we work hard as we can to make each other better.
“It is a good goalkeeping group and it has been for a long time.”
Darlow is expected to start again at the weekend for Newcastle when they host league leaders Chelsea in a top flight clash.
