Saturday's trip to Southampton saw Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe welcome goalkeeper Nick Pope back into the fold on Tyneside. After a lengthy knee problem, the Magpies' No 1 is very much fit and raring to go again.

But does he walk straight back into the team? History would suggest so but this is a completely different Newcastle side than the one he exited back in mid-December.

Back then, Howe's men were battling to find some rhythm and consistency. A 4-2 reversal at Brentford, £10m man Pope's last start, was a dismal defeat given Newcastle had gone toe-to-toe with Liverpool at St James' Park just days earlier.

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Since then, Dubravka has deputised as the team went on a nine-game winning run in all competitions, before losing to Bournemouth, and then getting back to winning ways at Southampton over the weekend. Dubravka has enjoyed a major upturn in form personally, too, raising his game significantly from the last time we saw him between the sticks regularly a little over 12 months ago.

The Slovakian has made eight Premier League appearances this term, conceding just six goals and keeping five clean sheets. His composure and calmness on the ball, compared to Pope's, has made Newcastle infinitely better at building out from the back - and has done wonders for his reputation in this part of the world.

The question now is - should he lose his place? Despite recent history suggesting Pope will reclaim the gloves from the outset in the not too distant future, there is a very valid argument to make that it should be Dubravka who is allowed to continue his fine run of form between the sticks.

Howe, as ever, has refused to be drawn into a debate as to who his first-choice stopper is at present. That is the party line he will continue to toe in the coming weeks as he wrestles with more than one selection headache in his backline.

"I’m not going to answer that and you’ll understand that," Howe responded to questions over his No 1 earlier this month. "Although everyone outside would perceive theres a number and a ranking.

"When you’re in my position and this goes for all the players,. It’s always in a state of flux. It’s always changing and moving because that’s down to the player’s performances.

"They will always make you change your mind an they will always give you for for thought because you want players to push each other, to question your decisions, nit to yourself but in your mind. I think that will be the case with this, let’s wait and see."

Dubravka has had to be patient for his chance. After returning from an ill-fated loan spell at Manchester United, the 36-year-old has redeemed himself in the eyes of once-hurt Newcastle fans. His showings in recent weeks proved a key reason Howe fought so hard to keep him amid major interest from Saudi Arabia.

"You have to stay ready, you have to stay focused, you never know when that chance is coming," Howe said when praising Dubravka earlier this month. “It came and he was able to come straight into the team and perform. His training levels have always been very, very high. He's whole-hearted, whatever the weather, he's there."

The goalkeeper himself was close to exiting, fancying one last challenge in the Middle East before potentially calling time on his career. Instead, Dubravka will stay beyond the window and battle to retain his spot in this high-flying side after repaying the faith Howe has shown in him of late. You can't say he hasn't earned the right to keep Pope sidelined in the next few games at least.