‘I would be surprised’… Ally McCoist admits Newcastle could now really shock him in January

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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe suddenly has a big decision to make ahead of the January transfer window.

While it initially looked like the priority would be to replace Sandro Tonali in midfield and possibly sign another attacker, now Newcastle are dealing with the prospect of potentially bringing in a goalkeeper.

That is because Nick Pope is set for an extended spell on the sidelines. He dislocated his shoulder in the 1-0 win over Manchester United, and could now be out of action for up to five months.

For now, it looks like Martin Dubravka will be his replacement. He will get the chance to prove his worth, but he will be under pressure with the January transfer window looming.

While losing Pope is a massive blow, the transfer window will give Howe an immediate chance to rectify the issue.

However, pundit Ally McCoist does not expect the Newcastle boss to dip into the transfer market following Pope’s injury.

Ally McCoist thinks Newcastle will stick with Martin Dubravka

McCoist has been speaking about the Newcastle goalkeeper situation on TalkSPORT on Tuesday, and he has admitted he would be surprised if the Magpies moved to sign a Pope replacement in January.

“Unless I’m mistaken at the weekend and in Paris, I think they had two goalkeepers on the bench, with Karius as well,” he said (7:09am, 5th December).

“You’re spot on, I think Martin Dubravka will come in, I think he’ll play. I understand Eddie Howe might think, I might have 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 that he’s got, particularly Dubravka.”

Newcastle should not sign a new goalkeeper in January

I think McCoist is spot on. It will not reflect very well on Dubravka if the club brings in another goalkeeper to play ahead of him for the rest of the season. That would then cast doubt over Dubravka’s future, and potentially create a bit of disharmony behind the scenes.

Eddie Howe should show faith in Dubravka, rather than sign a new goalkeeper.

Signing someone like David De Gea, who has been linked, would merely be a short-term solution. And while he might be keen on a move to St James’ Park, his wage demands would surely be an issue.

Given Newcastle’s injury crisis, Howe needs to bring in a few new faces in January. He needs to flesh out his squad even further, which might be difficult given the fact that the club’s resources are restricted due to financial fair play.

They will be restricted even further if they sign a goalkeeper, which is another reason to stick with Dubravka, Loris Karius and Mark Gillespie.

There will be a temptation to sign a goalkeeper, but I, just like Ally McCoist, would be surprised if they do.