Howe backs Pope after goalkeeper´s Champions League blunder

Nick Pope has been backed by Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe, despite the goalkeeper’s blunder in the Champions League.

Pope made a poor error as he rushed out to try and make a clearance against Marseille on Tuesday, enabling Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to nip in and score.

Having led through Harvey Barnes’ opener, Newcastle ultimately went on to lose 2-1.

Pope also faced criticism for how he dealt with Brentford’s long throws in a 3-1 defeat for Newcastle before the international break, albeit he did go off with a head injury in that match.

With summer signing Aaron Ramsdale an option in reserve, Howe conceded he may have a call to make, though he does feel Pope will get back to his best.

Ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Everton, Howe said: “All options are on the table for me. I need to think long and hard about who I pick. I try to do that on merit.

“I get the luxury of seeing the players train every day and I’ll make my call.

“Nick is vastly experienced. You don’t see huge highs or lows. He is very calm and absorbs it all.

“Of course, I discuss things with all my players. Nick is a top-class professional and an outstanding goalkeeper. We certainly back him.

“He has made a number of brilliant saves for us this season.”

Eddie Howe speaks with the media ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Everton

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Pope has made 39 saves this season, the fourth-most of any goalkeeper in the top flight.

His save percentage of 75 is the second-best in the division, behind Sunderland’s Robin Roefs (79.3%).

At the opposite end of the pitch, Barnes is in fine form, having scored four goals in his last three appearances.

“Harvey is playing well, looks like he has good confidence. Physically looks strong, looks fit, he looks able to carry the game load he is experiencing,” Howe said.

“He is a goal creator and a really good finisher and we saw that again on Tuesday.

“It was a fantastic finish off his left foot. When you put that together with his two goals against Manchester City, he is bang in form and hopefully that continues.”

Yoane Wissa, meanwhile, has now returned to training after recovering from injury, though he will not be fit to feature against Everton.

Sven Botman is also a doubt, while Kieran Trippier is set to miss a month of action due to a hamstring problem.