Eddie Howe refuses to answer one specific question about a Newcastle United player

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Nick Pope’s return will be both a boost and a complication for Newcastle United.

Eddie Howe is a huge fan of the Newcastle goalkeeper, who has enjoyed some brilliant games at times this season.

Still, to suggest Pope is absolutely perfect would perhaps be too much. At times, even he has been questioned.

Still, to have him back in action reasonably soon will at least strengthen the competition for places between the posts.

Quite where that will leave Martin Dubravka remains to be seen. The Slovakian has been impressing in Pope’s absence of late, so much so that a move to Saudi Arabia is now off – with Howe keen to keep him.

At some point, however, Pope will return and a battle to be Newcastle’s starting goalkeeper will duly commence.

Asked about who exactly will be No.1 upon Pope’s comeback, the Newcastle United manager offered a reasonably cryptic response.

Eddie Howe offers cryptic Nick Pope response after Newcastle United question

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup clash with Bromley, Howe said when asked who would be the starting stopper when all are available (via The Chronicle): “I’m not going to answer that and you’ll understand that. Although everyone outside would perceive there’s a number and a ranking.

“When you’re in my position and this goes for all the players,. It’s always in a state of flux. It’s always changing and moving because that’s down to the player’s performances.”

Nick Pope should not be written off at Newcastle United

Given the extent to which Newcastle have seemingly gone to keep Dubravka for now at least, it seems incredibly unlikely he will be unceremoniously dropped when Pope does return.

However, the England international surely cannot be written off easily.

There may have been some blips at times this season but the likes of former Toon goalkeeping hero and current Academy manager Steve Harper have talked him up quite considerably.

Pope may not be perfect but has been a huge part of Newcastle’s success during the Howe era.

It will be fascinating to see who wins the battle between Pope and Dubravka to come.