Eddie Howe has paid tribute to Nick Pope after the goalkeeper's season ended early due to the player going under the knife.
A troublesome finger issue could not wait any longer for Pope meaning that Martin Dubravka or Loris Karius will play against Chelsea this weekend. But Pope signed out after making one of the most important saves of the season as he helped grab the point required against Leicester with a late stop at St James' Park.
Howe, who made the decision to make Pope the number 1 this season, said: "Nick has been an incredible signing for us, he really has. His goalkeeping has been very, very good.
