Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope out of League Cup final after red card against Liverpool

Nick Pope’s will be suspended from the League Cup final as Liverpool put themselves back into the race for the Premier League top four with a 2-0 win at Newcastle.

The England goalkeeper was dismissed 22 minutes into a pulsating contest at St James’ Park for handling outside his penalty area and will miss next Sunday’s clash with Manchester United at Wembley.

With Martin Dubravka having already played for United in the competition during his loan spell earlier this season and Karl Darlow on loan at Hull, former Liverpool keeper Loris Karius looks set to be handed a debut he could not have expected.

However, the Magpies’ hopes of extending their unbeaten league run to a club-record 18 games had already been ended by goals from Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo inside the opening 17 minutes as the visitors – the only side to beat Newcastle in the league this season – ruthlessly exploited the space behind central defenders Fabian Schar and Sven Botman.

Victory saw Jurgen Klopp’s side move just six points behind their fourth-placed opponents with a game in hand.

"Let's hope [it's a significant result]. We've had results in the season where we have felt like this is the time to kick on. But this feels a little bit different," Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk told Sky Sports.

"Coming away from the big win against Everton, it was important to keep going and find a way to win.

"The red card changed the game a little bit. We could have done better, but there is a reason why we are the only team to win here. I am very proud of the boys, now we must recover in time for Real Madrid in the next game.

"We have had a difficult season, but to come and win here, I'm really proud."

Referee Anthony Taylor’s whistle signalled a breathless start