Nick Pope earns Jaissle backing after Newcastle injury blow

Matthias Jaissle has praised Nick Pope's professionalism and leadership, saying he is happy to have the goalkeeper in his Newcastle squad.

Ewen Jaouen faces two months out with a hamstring injury suffered on France Under-21 duty, leaving Pope as the senior cover for Lukas Hornicek.

The 34-year-old had been expected to leave following the arrivals of Hornicek and Jaouen, but stayed at St James' Park and is yet to make a competitive appearance under the new boss.

Pope was also linked with Bayern Munich earlier this week, with Sky Germany reporting that he is among several experienced goalkeepers being considered by the Bundesliga side.

Jaissle praises Pope's response to new role

Speaking about Pope at Thursday's pre-Coventry press conference, Jaissle said:

"I can only think and say positive words about Nick and I did that already in my first press conferences when you were asking. He knows about his role and he reacted really professionally on that.

"So on the pitch, in the training, when we need him, in the friendly, like we played, but also off the pitch. Of course, due to his experience, he's also a leader and he refills all the attributes that we need to see from him and we're all happy that he's with us."

Pope had already returned to the bench before the international break, including the 2-1 win over Hull. Jaouen's latest setback now means a longer spell without the Frenchman available.

Hornicek has started six of our seven competitive games this season, with Jaouen playing the other in the 3-2 Carabao Cup win over West Brom.

If Jaissle decides to rotate his goalkeeper for the Carabao Cup trip to Everton later this month, Pope could get his first competitive outing under the new boss. After a summer when an exit looked likely, there may still be more football for him to play in black and white... well, green, grey, yellow or whatever colour the keepers are wearing these days!