Martin Dubravka's reaction to being dropped by Newcastle United as fresh decision weighed up

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe must decide whether to stick with Nick Pope or recall Martin Dubrvaka for Sunday’s FA Cup fifth-round clash against Brighton & Hove.

Dubravka signed a new contract last week as a reward for his form and loyalty whilst Pope recovered from an eight-week knee injury. The Slovakian had an offer on the table from Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab but following talks with Howe and sporting director Paul Mitchell decided to stay on Tyneside.

But three days after the 36-year-old’s new deal was announced, he was dropped from the starting XI in place of Pope for last Sunday’s Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest.

Despite winning the game 4-3, Pope’s display was scrutinised after he was unable to keep out Callum Hudson-Odoi’s opener. The 32-year-old was then back under the spotlight at Anfield on Wednesday, this time for failing to keep out Dominik Szoboszlai’s shot that rolled through the legs of Sando Tonali and Dan Burn, and into the centre of the goal.

"I think with Nick, there’s been some good bits and there's been some bits that probably naturally when you're coming back from injury, like he has been, that have been a little bit rusty in his game,” Howe told NewcastleWorld. “But I think that's natural for any player.”

"I think he's got, I still believe, standout qualities. He's a top goalkeeper. And yeah, I think he, naturally with his experience and his knowledge and understanding of his own game, we'll know he's got high expectations of himself as well.”

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Prior to Pope’s recall, Dubravka had started 14 of United’s previous 15 matches, 11 of which ended in wins.

When asked how Dubravka has reacted to coming out of the team, Howe replied: "I think naturally whenever there's a player coming out of any position, a bit of disappointment, you'd expect that. And I think that's totally natural."

With the goalkeeping situation a big talking point among supporters, Howe is facing the decision of sticking with Pope - not just for Brighton but next month’s Carabao Cup final - or calling on Dubravka once again.

Howe said: “Well, I think we take it on a game by-game basis, as we do with all team selections.

“I think part of the game is players can change your minds either way. So we're always looking to try and pick our strongest team and it's up to the players to either confirm their place or not.

"No, it's never totally clear because you've got to get the balance right and you've got to think of the team first and foremost. And that's what I always do.

“I don't think of individuals, I think of what the team needs. And I'll have to think about what I do this weekend."