Mark Gillespie tipped for Newcastle United Carabao Cup Final SOS hero as ex Motherwell keeper dubbed a cool cat

Former Motherwell keeper Mark Gillespie is preparing for a sensational return to top team football in Sunday’s Carabao Cup Final after an absence of almost three YEARS.

But Newcastle’s fourth choice goalie is perfect for the wacky Wembley storyline against Manchester United according to ex-Well assistant Keith Lasley - because he is the least crazy keeper he’s ever met. Gillespie is vying with Loris Karius to get the nod from Eddie Howe as his boyhood club chase their first domestic cup since 1955.

A red card for first choice Nick Pope at the weekend has thrust the two squad men to the forefront with back-up Martin Dubravka cup-tied and third choice Karl Darlow recently sent out on loan to Hull. It’s left Howe in a sweat over his number one and Lasley jokes the St James’ boss will probably need to play both keepers to stop the red hot Red Devils. Gillespie last played for the Magpies in the same competition against Newport County in September 2020 - just three months after leaving Motherwell - meaning he’s gone 29 months without top team football.

But, if called upon, Lasley insists Gillespie won’t wilt in the heat of the occasion because he has the coolest head of any keeper he’s come across. He said: “Let’s be honest you’d probably need a couple of goalies playing against Manchester United and Marcus Rashford just now.

“But Mark was absolutely fantastic for Motherwell and I’d back him in a big game like the cup final to do well. Let’s hope he gets the nod and performs well because he’s a great lad.

“Mark’s temperament was one of his biggest strengths at Motherwell. He is a measured, intelligent guy who has his head screwed on .. unlike most of the goalkeepers I have played with to be honest!

“He was actually studying