Newcastle fact check Brentford fans mocking Nick Pope with chant on first start since injury
Brentford fans cheekily joked about Nick Pope's England prospects, but Newcastle were on hand to fact check them.
The goalkeeper made his first start for the Magpies since December when he suffered a dislocated shoulder in their 1-0 win against Manchester United as he helped his team win 4-2 on the final day of the Premier League season.
3
Pope has been out of action for most of the campaign as a result, with Martin Dubravka the man replacing him in between the sticks.
However, Eddie Howe named him in the starting XI for their final game of the season away at Brentford on Sunday.
He conceded twice but Newcastle walked away with the three choice with the home fans in west London doing their best to distract him late on.
"You'll never play for England," they were said to be shouting as per the Newcastle X account.
READ MORE ON NEWCASTLE
They said: "90' 'You'll never play for England' is chanted at Nick Pope - who has a number of England caps."
Pope has in fact featured ten times for England, most recently in their 3-3 Nations League draw with Germany in September 2022.
The former Burnley man would have been a favourite to be named as one of the Three Lions' goalkeepers for Euro 2024 this summer, however, his selection seems unlikely due to his long absence through injury in what would be an unfortunate way to end his chances.
Pope's appearance against Brentford was his 21st of the season in all competitions and one that could prove crucial for the club.
Most read in Football
3
3
Newcastle's win has seen them finish seventh in the Premier League and ahead of United thanks to their superior goal difference.
And should Manchester City beat United in the FA Cup final on Saturday, then the Magpies will play Europa Conference League football next season.
Ex-Newcastle Manager Steve Bruce says he's looking to try and do 'something' as he hints at a potential return to management
It's been a tough campaign for Howe's side amid a series of injury issues that have blighted their progress from last season's fourth-place finish.
However, they have ended the campaign on a high with an 18th league win and their star goalkeeper back in action.