The 23-year-old kept a clean sheet at the Etihad Stadium, as an Alfie Dorrington own goal and a close-range finish from Marc Guehi propelled the Citizens into the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Pep Guardiola’s side eventually fought their way past their League Two opponents, but not with as much comfort as last year’s 8-0 victory against the same opposition.

Trafford was handed a rare start in the game, and he showed signs of his frustration towards his lack of football during his post-match interview.

“It wasn’t what I expected coming into the season,” the England hopeful said.

“I tried to guard against this situation happening, but it’s the reality and I know that every time I play, I’ve got to give it my best shot.”

Newcastle fans question James Trafford’s summer decision

Trafford caught the eye on Saturday with a superb one-on-one save from ex-Liverpool man Ben Woodburn on the stroke of half-time, one of two stops that he made on the way to a clean sheet.

The young gloveman has produced plenty of impressive moments for City during his appearances in the cups this season, but with Gianluigi Donnarumma also in their goalkeeping department, it has done little to boost his chances of gametime.

Trafford had been hopeful of mounting a challenge to become England’s number one for the upcoming World Cup, but has not been able to earn the opportunities to prove his talent.

City activated their buy-back clause to beat Newcastle to his signature last summer, and that is something that the Magpies faithful have now been quick to remind him of.

Newcastle fans flooded the replies of Trafford’s interview on X, with several taking the time to highlight the error behind his previous decision to return to City.

Several pointed out that he now has no chance of starting for England at the World Cup, while one supporter even went as far as to say that Trafford’s agent has “killed his career.”

• @adam_mcnally: “Newcastle will be back in for him, keep making those noises lad.”
• @1982_si: “Come to nufc in the summer. A year too late like.”
• @ToonFan14: “No sympathy, I’m afraid.”

The Magpies will get fresh chance to sign Trafford

Football Insider revealed on Saturday that Aston Villa and Leeds are the two most likely candidates to sign Trafford this summer, with his situation at City already looking clear.

There are understood to be several Premier League sides who remain big admirers of the promising talent, not least Newcastle, who have held a long-term interest in him for several years now.

Trafford will surely push for City to allow him to leave and find a new challenge at the end of the campaign, and that will leave the door open for the Tynesiders to make their move.

Their fans may have made their frustration clear to Trafford on this occasion, but it is still possible that he could soon be wearing their colours at St James’ Park.