Shay Given has hailed Nick Pope’s “brilliant” impact on Newcastle United since arriving last summer. Signing a goalkeeper was not regarded as a priority by some supporters, with long-serving shot-stopper Martin Dubravka making the jersey his own in recent years.
However, Burnley’s relegation to the Championship meant Pope was available for £10million - an offer Toon chiefs could not refuse. Eddie Howe made the 30-year-old his first choice and subsequently loaned Dubravka out to Manchester United.
His faith has paid dividends, with Newcastle conceding the least goals in the Premier League. Pope also has four clean sheets to his name this season - ensuring his record of one in every three top-flight appearances throughout his career.
