Newcastle boss Eddie Howe backs Loris Karius to rise to the challenge in Carabao Cup final

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is confident Loris Karius is ready to step into the heat of Carabao Cup final battle in the wake of Nick Pope's red card against Liverpool.

Pope was dismissed for handling outside his area during Saturday's 2-0 Premier League defeat and is suspended for the 26 February decider with Manchester United at Wembley as a result.

German Karius joined the Magpies on a short-term contract in September, which has since been extended to the end of the season. He has yet to make his debut for the club, but seems certain to do just that in the biggest game in the club’s recent history.

Asked about the 29-year-old’s readiness to do so, head coach Howe said: "That was the reason for taking a player of his profile. He has experience of the big games, so I’ve got no doubt or issue over his ability to step in."

Karius and Mark Gillespie are Howe’s two remaining options for Wembley with Martin Dubravka, who took over from Pope, having played in the competition already this season during his temporary switch to United while Karl Darlow is on loan at Hull.

Howe said: "Nick’s very disappointed, understandably, as we are for him. He’s been magnificent this season for us and he doesn’t deserve to miss the game, but it is what it is and we’ll see what our options are.

"We have Loris and Mark, who have trained really well this season and been part of the goalkeeping team all season. They’re both fit and ready to play."

Karius has not made a competitive appearance since Union Berlin’s 1-1 Bundesliga draw with Hoffenheim in February 2021, and endured a personal nightmare in Liverpool’s 3-1 Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid in 2018.

However, asked about his mentality, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp said: "I have no doubt about