Newcastle United legend approves Eddie Howe's decision to start 35y/o vs Leicester City

Pope picked up a knee issue in last weekend’s 4-2 defeat at Brentford and after visiting a specialist on Friday morning has been ruled out for a month.

That is likely to see Dubravka selected ahead of Odysseas Vlachodimos for Saturday’s home clash against Leicester City in what would be his first Premier League appearance of the campaign.

But the Slovakian is no stranger to occupying the sticks at St James’ Park. Since joining United from Sparta Prague in 2018, Dubravka has made 164 appearances, 29 of which came last season when Pope was sidelined with a dislocated shoulder.

“In [Martin] Dubravka, they’ve got someone who has been brilliant for the club and not done too much wrong, Given told NewcastleWorld. “He knows the Premier League and club well.

“He knows the position, what the fans expect and the pressure of it all. Martin will be excited to get a run of games depending on how long Nick’s out.”

Pope’s knee injury comes at a time when there have been question marks over his performances, with some suggesting last season’s shoulder injury has had a knock-effect.

But Given, speaking from his own experience, doesn’t believe that to be the case.

“I can only talk of my own experience,” said the former Republic of Ireland international. “I dislocated my left shoulder and tore ligaments in my right shoulder and I came back, even to this day I’ve not really had any shoulder problems.

“Nick has maybe been at fault for a couple of goals this season when in past seasons he hasn’t made mistakes, which would make you look and question the shoulder issue but I just think he’s made a couple of mistakes and that’s part and parcel of the position really, I don’t think you can read too much into it.

“Both my shoulders never held me back or stopped me from going full length either way. I know everyone is different but I’m only going on my personal experience.

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