Eddie Howe to 'make shock call-up' for Newcastle in League Cup final against Manchester United

Max Thompson is set to receive a surprise call-up from Newcastle boss Eddie Howe for the League Cup final against Manchester United, according to stunning reports.

Newcastle first-choice No 1 Nick Pope was sent off in the first half against Liverpool at St James’ Park after a poorly timed challenge on Mohamed Salah last week.

Martin Dubravka came on for Pope in Newcastle’s 2-0 Premier League defeat, but the 34-year-old Slovak ‘keeper won’t be eligible for Howe in the League Cup final.

The Newcastle shot-stopper was loaned out to United before he was recalled, but Dubravka is cup-tied after playing for the Red Devils in the competition.

Former Liverpool ‘keeper Loris Karius is now most likely to feature between the sticks for Newcastle in the League Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.

According to The Daily Mail, Karius and Mark Gillespie are expected to be Howe’s first-choice and back-up ‘keepers for the trip to Wembley.

However, it has been reported that Newcastle will require a third-choice ‘keeper for the day and Thompson is expected to receive the nod from Howe.

Thompson, who is only 18, came through the club’s youth academy and signed his first professional contract with Newcastle in 2021.

Speaking after Pope’s red card, Howe insisted that Karius is “very relaxed” and a “very cool customer” ahead of the clash with United.

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“As soon as it [Pope red card] happened, it was almost that feeling there’s another story in Karius’ career -- another page or chapter to write, and who knows what that chapter will look like?” Howe said.

“That’s the beauty of football. We never know what is going to happen. It would be a magnificent chance for him to rewrite the story of his career.

“There’s been loads of stories in football where these things have happened and there’s been a really positive outcome.

“I had a chat with him on Saturday night, I felt the need to connect with him and speak with him.

“He was great, very relaxed. That’s the kind of guy he is, a very cool customer.”