Eddie Howe reveals 'difficult' conversation after dropping Newcastle United star

Eddie Howe has revealed he spoke to Martin Dubravka before dropping him for Newcastle United’s 4-3 win over Nottingham Forest.

A knee injury for Nick Pope at the beginning of December handed Dubravka, who was the subject of an offer from Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab, a call-up.

Starting 14 of the Magpies’ next 15 matches, the Slovakian decided to stay at St James’ Park and sign a one-year contract extension. But three days after his new deal was announced, the Slovakian found himself out of the team, with Pope reinstated.

Asked if he had explained his decision to Dubravka, Howe, speaking ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Premier League leaders Liverpool, said: “Yes, of course I had a conversation with Martin.

“I think it's always difficult because every player wants to play and I have many difficult conversations with many players on a regular basis and that's part of my job.

“But Martin's a top professional and he'll respond in the right way.”

Howe later added: “If you're after popularity, don't become a football manager because you have to make tough decisions and you have to upset people. It's the last thing that I want to do on a personal level with any of my players is disappoint them, upset them.

“But I'm in the position where I have to do that on a daily basis, weekly basis. I can only pick 11. I have a squad of 20 at the moment that's training regularly and some really tough calls on players that I really admire and really like that aren't playing.

“So that's the level of squad we have. All I ask is the players accept the decision and then try to force their way back in.”

Pope is expected to remain in goal for the visit to Anfield, a ground Newcastle haven’t won at in 30 years.

Heaping praise on the former Burnley goalkeeper, Howe said: “He has been outstanding. He is a big presence in size but also in personality. He is very popular in the squad, he is a very humble person who works extremely hard.

“He is very good from set plays, with his physical frame coming out and catching the ball or punching.

“For me he is one of the best if not the best shot stopper in the Premier League. He has always had the ability to make big saves. Those are his strengths and we are going to need them in the coming weeks.”