Eddie Howe now wants to give ‘outstanding’ player a chance in Newcastle’s starting XI why key man will be out

Eddie Howe now wants to give ‘outstanding’ player a chance in Newcastle’s starting XI why key man will be out

 

Eddie Howe now wants to give ‘outstanding’ player a chance in Newcastle’s starting XI

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is going to have to make a change to his regular starting XI following Nick Pope’s injury.

The 31-year-old is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after injuring his shoulder during the 1-0 win over Manchester United. It has been reported that he could be out of action for up to five months.

It is another cruel blow for the Magpies, but it does present one player with an opportunity.

Martin Dubravka replaced Pope for the latter stages on Saturday, and helped Newcastle get over the line and pick up a vital three points.

He will now be first choice, but there have been rumours that the Magpies could move to sign a new goalkeeper in January. David De Gea has been linked, with the 33-year-old available on a free after being released by Manchester United.

The chance to sign a goalkeeper who is as good as De Gea must be appealing to Eddie Howe, but he already has a plan in place that does not include the former Man United stopper.

Martin Dubravka is going to get the chance to prove he is the man for Newcastle in Nick Pope’s absence

According to the Telegraph, Howe wants to give Dubravka a chance in the starting XI to see how he copes in the coming weeks.

Newcastle have a hectic run of games, with the Magpies playing twice a week until the end of the year. Then in early January we have got the Tyne-Wear derby in the FA Cup.

There are plenty of fixtures for Dubravka to prove his worth, as he reclaims the position he lost to Pope at the beginning of last season.

 

It is sensible for Howe to not commit to signing a new goalkeeper just yet. If Dubravka can do the business then there is no point. Any new signing would possibly disrupt the squad harmony – it would be difficult to envision Dubravka being pleased about being demoted to second choice once again, for example.

 

The Telegraph add that plans could change if the Slovakian struggles, but hopefully that is not the case. Nor should it be, as he was a top class goalkeeper for Newcastle before Pope arrived.

His loan move to Man United did sour some fans, but Dubravka is still an excellent stopper who is more than capable of filling in for Pope – possibly for the rest of the season.

It will be a big ask, but Howe wants to put his faith in the 34-year-old. He previously called Dubravka ‘outstanding‘, and now he has a chance to prove that the manager’s assessment was correct.

 

Come on, Martin! You have got our full support!