Eddie Howe backs Loris Karius to rise to the challenge in Carabao Cup final

NEEDED: Loris Karius will be called upon by Newcastle for the Carabao Cup final. Pic: Nigel French/PA

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is confident Loris Karius is ready to step into the heat of Carabao Cup final battle in the wake of Nick Pope’s heartache.

Pope was dismissed for handling outside his area during Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League defeat by Liverpool and is suspended for next Sunday’s clash with Manchester United at Wembley as a result.