Opinion: Eddie Howe's latest comments appear to spell the end for Aaron Ramsdale's chances of starting for Newcastle

Eddie Howe appears to have closed the door on Aaron Ramsdale’s run in the Newcastle United starting lineup after praising Nick Pope. 

Ramsdale has made 14 appearances for Newcastle United but has kept only one clean sheet. 

Pope certainly hasn’t been immune to criticism from supporters this season but, now he has returned from a groin injury, he looks set to keep his starting berth. 

Many supporters were calling for Ramsdale to start over Pope during the latter’s dip in form between October and November, but it’s fair to say the Southampton loanee didn’t fully convince.

The two are currently locked in a battle for a starting berth and Pope is winning it.

Given Howe’s latest comments, that looks set to continue. 

Eddie Howe’s comments on Nick Pope amid Aaron Ramsdale battle

After Newcastle United beat Crystal Palace 2-0 at St James’ Park on Sunday, Howe was asked about Pope. 

In truth, the England international didn’t have an awful lot to do against the Eagles. What he did have to deal with, however, Pope did well.

The Newcastle United manager was asked about Pope’s performance by BBC Radio Newcastle and said: “Nick will hopefully only get better with the more games and training that he’s had. He missed a period of time. He’s a massive presence for us. Shot stopper. Clean sheet-getter, normally, when he’s playing well. 

“Hopefully, he can have a really good run.”  

That would certainly suggest Ramsdale’s time as a regular in the first team has come to an end, barring any further injuries to Pope.

Would you rather Newcastle sign a ready-made No.1 or a young project player?

This is assuming that Nick Pope retains his starting berth and Aaron Ramsdale isn’t signed permanently…

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How Aaron Ramsdale feels about his Newcastle United future

Newcastle view Ramsdale as a back-up player and Howe’s comments certainly appear to reflect that. 

Still, for his part, the loanee is said to be happy on Tyneside.

According to Newcastle World, Ramsdale would like to make his move from Southampton a permanent arrangement. 

Still, given the deal could cost up to £20million, it remains to be seen if Newcastle grant his wish.

Ramsdale clearly isn’t a bad goalkeeper by any means but Pope is first choice for now.

Quite why they’d spend a significant sum of money on a back-up is up for debate, particularly if the club are in the market for a long-term heir to Pope this summer anyway.

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