Eddie Howe hails Newcastle United star for ‘top class’ performance against Brighton

Eddie Howe heaped praise on Nick Pope after he earned Newcastle United a point at Brighton and Hove Albion.

Pope, a £10million summer arrival from Burnley, is yet to concern a goal as a Magpies goalkeeper in the Premier League.

He didn’t have much to do during the opening day win against Nottingham Forest but at the Amex Stadium, he more than earned his clean sheet.

The 30-year-old pulled off numerous saves, the standout being a diving stop to keep out Adam Lallana’s header that was destined for the bottom corner.

It capped off a somewhat crazy two days for Pope, who became a social media sensation on Friday night.

“I only heard about the off-the-pitch stuff a second ago,” Howe said, when asked about Pope’s last 24 hours. “I had no idea that was happening.

“But I just thought he was top class and he has been since he came to the club.

“He is a very relaxed figure, very confident in the dressing room. He’s got a real calmness about him.

“The save from Adam Lallana was top class. Not just that save, he made a number of really important ones for us.

“I think he showed his importance to us this season.”