Nick Pope has shared his thoughts on the battle ahead with Aaron Ramsdale after his arrival from Southampton
Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope warm up with England
Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope on England duty
Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope has responded to the challenge ahead after the arrival of fellow England international Aaron Ramsdale.
Back in 2022, Pope came in from Burnley as a big summer signing and took the No 1 spot from Martin Dubravka. With Dubravka now gone, after signing for the Clarets this week, Pope must face up to more serious competition but is confident he can retain his slot as first choice.
Ramsdale saved a penalty on his debut against Espanyol in the 2-2 draw at St James' Park on Friday before Pope made a series of saves against Atletico Madrid 24 hours later.
But the England stopper could not prevent a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the La Liga giants. Nevertheless, Howe has a major call to make on who starts against Aston Villa at the weekend.
Pope told Chronicle Live: "I know Aaron from England, he is a good lad and a good keeper. He is coming in to improve the squad. He is a good character, and the last few years, that is what we have been built on, that is our squad.
"So we welcome him in like we do with all good players. He will get a good initiation."
When asked if he was concerned that Ramsdale, a season long loan deal from Southampton, was coming in to snatch his place, Pope, with a smile, said: "Let's hope not!
"With goalkeepers, there's always one who plays and one who doesn't. I am just looking forward to working with Aaron again."
Pope impressed in the Far East with some key saves in games against Arsenal, the K-League and Tottenham Hotspur. The 33-year-old says he feels ready to face the Premier League's best strikers again.
Pope, who suffered a knee injury last season to miss part of the winter period, said: "I feel really good with my body and with myself. I am in from the start of pre-season and have a good mindset.
"I am really happy with the way the last few weeks. We had the time in Austria, Singapore, South Korea and a bit of time back at home, this what pre-season is."
Newcastle played in much cooler climes last weekend against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid after the heat of Seoul and Singapore, and Pope added: "It was very tough conditions. It was extreme, there won't be many occasions where you get to play in that type of environment.
"It was good for this stage of the season and a good test for us. We will get a lot out of it.
KICK OFF - Newcastle United pre-season guide 2025/26
The countdown is on to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign - and our pre-season guide is the ideal way to prepare for the action ahead.
As well as in-depth analysis and opinion on your club, we turn the spotlight on every team battling for top-flight glory - or simply survival in the toughest league in the world!
Also full fixtures guide so you don't miss a game in what is set to be a thrilling season.