Eddie Howe says Nick Pope could be in contention for Southampton clash

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has revealed goalkeeper Nick Pope could be involved in the club's Premier League clash with Southampton.  
 
Nick Pope has returned to contention after missing the last 10 games due to injury. Martin Dubravka has performed well in goal in Pope's absence. Nevertheless, manager Eddie Howe welcomes the prospect of Nick Pope returning to full fitness.  
 
Newcastle United are looking to get back to winning ways after their defeat to Bournemouth. Eddie Howe was interviewed by reporters at the pre-match press conference.  
 
When asked about the fitness of Nick Pope and Callum Wilson, he said: "Nick Pope has the opportunity to be in the team and the player has already started training with the team.  
 
"As for Callum Wilson, we expect him to be back in early February. He is making great progress and we will try to do the right things for him before he starts training with the team."  
 
Howe added: "It's really difficult to play against a newly promoted team and they showed their quality that day. There is no denying that Southampton is a very technical team and they adopt a very aggressive man-marking tactics without the ball, so we have to deal with that."  
 
"After the defeat to Bournemouth, I admit we need to learn from them and I believe the players will respond. We will focus on the next game against Southampton and we have to play at our best."