Newcastle United are going to be without Nick Pope for the Carabao Cup final, and Sean Longstaff has admitted he is just as ‘gutted’ as his teammate is.
The goalkeeper was sent off during Newcastle‘s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday. He was given a straight red by Anthony Taylor for a handball outside his area, denying Mo Salah a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Pope will now serve a one-match ban, which just so happens to be the club’s biggest game in years. He will miss the game at Wembley, with Loris Karius set to replace him for his Toon debut.
Fans are ready to get behind Karius, but there is obviously huge disappointment that Pope will miss the game. He has been such an important player this season in both the league and the cup.
Without the 30-year-old, we probably wouldn’t even be in the Carabao Cup final. He was the hero in round three when we beat Crystal Palace on penalties.
It is such a shame for Pope that he is going to miss the final, and now Longstaff has explained why he is especially devastated for the £10million man.
Sean Longstaff ‘gutted’ for ‘best friend’ Nick Pope
The Geordie midfielder has spoke to Sky Sports ahead of the game against Manchester United and was asked about Pope’s suspension.
“I’m gutted for him because we are really close,” Longstaff said.
“Probably my best friend in the squad so when I seen him walking off, as much as it was obviously so hard for him, I felt just as bad.
“Seeing him after and stuff, it was so disappointing for him. He’s been so good for us. He’s been probably our best player – if not, easy in the top three.”
Newcastle will have to do it without Pope
The fact Pope and Longstaff are best friends sums up the wonderful team spirit that Eddie Howe has created at St James’ Park. They have clearly struck up a real bond, despite Pope only joining the club last summer.
Longstaff is gutted for his pal, and so will every member of Newcastle’s squad. They must now step up and prove they can get the job done without their first choice goalkeeper. He has been a key player, and has saved us at times with some tremendous stops.
Now it is Karius who we must turn to, and he has the chance to become a Toon legend on his debut. It may well be his one and only appearance for the club – just imagine if he is able to help the club end their trophy drought.
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