Eddie in salute to Mr Calm

EDDIE HOWE hailed Nick Pope’s calm authority in leading Newcastle’s rebuilt rearguard to a hard-fought Premier League draw at Brighton.

Pope pulled off two fine saves to deny Adam Lallana and Solly March and rack up a second clean sheet in as many games. “He’s a very relaxed figure, very popular in the dressing room and has a real calmness about him,” said boss Howe (right).

“The save from Lallana was top class. We were under the cosh but we stayed calm and we battled through it.” Brighton boss Graham Potter said: “We were very positive, if there’s one team going to win the game that was us. But to get a point against a very strong opponent is always valuable.”