Ally McCoist believes Loris Karius has a fantastic opportunity to become a Newcastle United legend this weekend. Despite never playing for the Magpies, the German is set to start the club’s biggest game in a generation.
Nick Pope’s blunder against Liverpool resulted in him being sent off for handball outside the area. With Martin Dubravka cup-tied, Eddie Howe will likely start former Liverpool goalkeeper Karius between the sticks.
The 29-year-old infamously cocked up twice in the Champions League final for the Reds in 2018. Real Madrid pounced on two mistakes - as well as profiting from a Gareth Bale wondergoal - to clinch their 13th European Cup.
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Karius’ career had faded into obscurity until Newcastle signed him earlier this season. Arriving on a free transfer, the shot-stopper was brought in for exactly this moment: if the Magpies ever enter a time of desperate need.
Rangers legend McCoist has preferred to stay positive about Pope’s suspension, insisting this weekend’s Wembley showdown could be Karius’ time to shine. He told talkSPORT: “Football throws up amazing stories, it really does. And this is just another one. What an opportunity for him.
“I've got to say, I feel for Nick Pope. The sending-off was probably the correct decision but it just looks harsh, doesn't it? So they’ve now got a problem. But if you are Karius, surely you've got to look at it and say ‘what an opportunity I've got here.’
“Not having played for so long, to now have an opportunity to play in a domestic cup final for a team that haven't won anything domestically for years, whatever it may be. As much as it is a blow, and it is a blow, Pope not being able to play, when one door closes another one opens and what an opportunity for him (Karius).”
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