Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has urged Loris Karius to 'rewrite the story of his career' as he prepares to start against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
The German goalkeeper seems certain to line up for his first competitive match in almost two years at Wembley at the weekend, with first-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope suspended. Moreover, reserve shot-stopper Martin Dubravka is cup-tied after featuring in the competition for United during his loan spell at Old Trafford this season.
Karius, who joined the Magpies in September, arrived at St James' Park to provide back-up to Pope alongside Karl Darlow and Mark Gillespie, with Dubravka on loan at United. However, the latter returned to the club in January, which saw Newcastle allow Darlow to join Hull on loan for the remainder of the campaign.
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As a result, the 29-year-old Karius will likely make his debut for Howe's side on Sunday afternoon, with the Newcastle boss revealing that he had spoken to the German on Saturday to discuss the way forward.
"It would be a magnificent chance for him to rewrite the story of his career," Howe said, as per PA. "There’s been loads of stories through the times in football where these things have happened and there’s been a really positive outcome or not. We can’t predict what that will be.
"As soon as it happened, it was almost that feeling that there’s another story in Karius’ career – another page or chapter to write and who knows what that chapter will look like? That’s the beauty of football. We never know what is going to happen. This unpredictability is what makes it such an amazing thing to watch."
He added: "I chat to him every day. I talk with all my players. I try to get round and speak to them all every day. We chat about different things. With Loris, I had a chat with him on Saturday night, I felt the need to connect with him and speak with him. He was great, very relaxed. That’s the kind of guy he is, a very cool customer."
Karius' last competitive appearance for an English side came for Liverpool in the 2018 Champions League final. The goalkeeper made two high-profile errors in the match, and didn't play for the Merseyside club again.
Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag's side will be looking to win their first trophy since 2017 in the Dutchman's first final since joining the club in the summer.
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