Pope can’t wait to get things going
NICK Pope has relished the chance to work with his new goalkeeping colleagues during Newcastle United’s first pre-season training session in Austria.
The England international, signed from Burnley for around £10million last month, is one of four goalkeepers in Eddie Howe’s squad for their tour of Austria.
Martin Dubravka, Karl Darlow and Mark Gillespie complete the quartet of goalkeepers in their pre-season camp and Pope has appreciated the warm welcome he’s received.
“The new kittens,” Pope joked in his interview with Newcastle United.
“I’ve settled in very well and really quickly.
“It’s great to get to know the boys a little bit and get out there on the pitch with them as well.
“They’re a great group of lads - hard trainers who really encourage and push each other every day.
“They’ve been very welcoming and it’s been a good group to be a part of.”
Dubravka has been Newcastle’s first-choice goalkeeper since arriving at St James’ Park from Sparta Prague in January 2018.
The Slovakian international has featured 130 times in all competitions for the Magpies but has seen his playing time restricted due to injury in the last two seasons.
Having two top quality goalkeepers is only a positive dilemma for Howe to ponder.
Dubravka and Darlow played between the sticks in the first and second half respectively in Newcastle’s behind-closed-doors 5-1 win over Gateshead on Saturday and Pope is itching to make his bow in Austria.
“Games are important. When you start pre-season you look forward to getting back into the games,” Pope said.
“It’s also important for myself and the group to get a good understanding of each other. I need to integrate myself into the team spirit. It’s clear that it’s a massive part of the club. Getting to know my new teammates and getting some minutes under my belt is something that I’m really looking forward to.”