Eddie Howe says Nick Pope’s heroic penalty shootout performance in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday has boosted his World Cup claims.
After a goalless 90 minutes at St James’ Park, the goalkeeper saved three penalties as the Magpies beat Crystal Palace 3-2 in the shootout.
Howe said: “I’ve got to say the first penalty save, I thought, was right out of the top drawer.
“There was actually a save in the first half that again I thought was right out of the top drawer as well, so it wasn’t just in the penalty shootout.
“But he’s been doing that for us all season. He’s a very commanding figure,…
