Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
Sport
Lee Ryder

Newcastle United's goalkeeper dilemma at Tranmere with exciting youngster also 'contender' to start in midfield

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has hinted at changes ahead of the Magpies' trip to Prenton Park to face Tranmere Rovers in the Carabao Cup.

United won't have Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser or Matt Targett available due to soft tissue injuries. And Dan Burn is still suffering from a head knock against Manchester City in the 3-3 draw.

One of the big calls Howe has to make will be between the posts with Nick Pope in outstanding form but both Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow in need of game-time. In previous seasons the keepers have been rotated in the cups under Steve Bruce and Rafa Benitez.

READ NEXT: Newcastle waiting for positive answer from Watford after new Joao Pedro offer

Howe stuck with Martin Dubravka for the FA Cup defeat to Cambridge earlier in the year but now the Slovakia international is in need of an opportunity. But Pope is in amazing form and has quickly sparked calls for him to be England number 1 just three games into his Toon career.

The other big contender to start the tie is talented 19-year-old Elliot Anderson. Anderson has been held back from a loan exit but is yet to feature in the senior side.

Howe said today: "I think there will be changes to the team but I believe in the squad we have and a lot of the players are fighting to play in the Premier League are outstanding individuals with outstanding characters."

And speaking about Anderson he reflected: "Elliot's chomping at the bit to be involved. He's trained very well, even at the start of this season. He hasn't appeared yet in the Premier League (this season) but his performances in training have not dipped so he's in a good place to give a good performance.

"He's definitely a contender to start tomorrow. Everything I've seen from him day-to-day has been very impressive. I'm really excited to see him play. I think he's a player who has really grown from his loan period away."

READ NEXT

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe delivers update on Callum Wilson's hamstring injury

Eddie Howe's transfer vow in last week of window as Newcastle boss responds to fresh Joao Pedro bid

Newcastle United look to prise Joao Pedro north as Watford negotiate huge offer for striker

Newcastle United supporters all say the same thing in response to Ivan Toney claim

'I'm not afraid' - Eddie Howe reveals his Newcastle dream supporters will love in Ashley shift

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.