'I've got full confidence in both': Eddie Howe bemoans 'harsh' Nick Pope red card ruling him out of Carabao Cup final... but insists Loris Karius and Mark Gillespie 'ARE match ready and have trained well'

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Eddie Howe believes that Nick Pope's red card against Liverpool - which has ruled him out of the Carabao Cup final - was 'harsh' but the Newcastle boss has 'full confidence' in his backup goalkeepers. 

As Mohamed Salah charged forwards to receive a pass from Alisson and looked to be through on goal, the Newcastle goalkeeper came out of his box diving with his hands to stop the rampaging forward in a moment of madness.

Interfering illegally with the play, Pope was immediately sent his marching orders by Anthony Taylor, and will miss their cup final next week, posing another selection headache for Howe.

With Martin Dubravka cup-tied having already featured in the tournament for Man United this season - and Karl Darlow on loan at Hull - Howe has been left with either Loris Karius or Mark Gillespie.

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Karius has never played for Newcastle and his last appearance for an English club was his Champions League final outing for the Reds against Real Madrid in 2018 - where he made two huge errors which led to goals in a 3-1 defeat. 

Eddie Howe bemoaned Nick Pope's 'harsh' red card after he was sent off in the first-half

Meanwhile if former Motherwell keeper and boyhood Newcastle fan Gillespie, 30, was to play at Wembley, it would be only his fourth appearance for the club. 

Reflecting on Pope's red card, Howe said: 'I feel sorry for Nick - I don't know the rules on the card, it felt harsh. I thought the reaction was brilliant from the team, remained in the game.

When quizzed on who could deputise for Pope, Howe added: 'Yeah, they're [Karius and Gillespie] our options - they have started games away from competitive action several friendlies and training games. I'd say they are both match ready. 

Eddie Howe will have to rely on either Loris Karius or Mark Gillespie at Wembley - but he has 'full confidence' in both

Howe was further questioned on whether he would have confidence in starting either of them. 'Yeah of course,' he added. 

'That is what they are in the squad for - I got to say I know everyone here wouldn't have seen how well they've trained but they have both been competitive and been part of our group all season. So I've got full confidence in both.'

Newcastle will welcome back star midfielder Bruno Guimaraes who returns from suspension, but Joelinton was removed during the second-half against Liverpool with an injury.

'He [Joelinton] felt something when he shot and I wanted to ensure it didn't get worse,' Howe explained.