Ally McCoist tells Newcastle United to replace injured Nick Pope with £40k-a-week star

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Newcastle United and Eddie Howe have a big call to make during these next six weeks as they bid to replace their injured goalkeeper, Nick Pope.

The England international is facing several months on the sidelines and is touch-and-go as to whether he will be back in action again this season.

It has left Newcastle in a bit of a conundrum. Who should replace Nick Pope? There has been strong talk of free agent and ex-Manchester United star, David de Gea.

But Ally McCoist thinks Eddie Howe needs to look closer to home because he has put Martin Dubravka’s name forward, as he told talkSPORT.

The striker-turned-pundit even stated that he would be ‘surprised’ if Newcastle actually go out and get another goalkeeper.

Well, there has been talk about Arsenal’s now-benched shot-stopper, Aaron Ramsdale – this is another transfer that Ally McCoist simply can’t see happening.

But forget about those, according to Ally McCoist, because the Champions League side need to look closer to home.

Martin Dubravka to replace Nick Pope at Newcastle United?

“I think Martin Dubravka will come in and play,” said McCoist. “I understand Eddie Howe might think I need to replace Nick Pope because it’s a big blow.

“But if he does, what does that tell you about Dubravka and Karius? I would be surprised if he goes out and gets another goalkeeper.  I think he will show faith in the two he has got, particularly, Dubravka.”

Jeff Stelling added: “Well, de Gea hasn’t touched a ball since the beginning of June.”

McCoist added: “That is correct. But it’s surprising he hasn’t got a club.”

Martin Dubravka needs to take his chance

The injury to Pope isn’t just a body blow to Newcastle, in terms of what they are going to miss, but it comes right in the middle of a very busy period.

Whether a new keeper comes in or not, for now, and ahead of Newcastle’s trip to Goodison Park to take on Everton, they have to use some like Dubravka.

The 34-year-old has been number one before and the £40k-a-week star (Spotrac) understands those pressures. 

Even if the powers that be are looking at other keepers. This is Dubravka’s chance to shine and perhaps sway people inside the club from bringing somebody else by putting in strong performances this month.