Nick Pope's return to the Newcastle United starting line-up has been under the spotlight after Eddie Howe made the decision to drop Martin Dubravka. It's a moved that's raised plenty of eyebrows among the Magpies' fanbase with the Slovakian shot stopper in fine form during Nick Pope's injury absence - and many fans in the Chronicle Live comments section aren't happy with the situation.

Howe gave Nick Pope the nod to start against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, with the team coming from behind to win 4-3. Callum Hudson-Odoi gave the visitors the lead with some fans questioning Pope's positioning for the goal.

The Toon raced into a 4-1 lead at the break but had to see off a late comeback from Forest, with fans questioning Howe's decision to drop Dubravka. The 36-year-old's future on Tyneside looked to be coming to an end with interest from the Saudi Pro League over the summer and in the recent January window before signing a new contract with the Magpies..

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In the aftermath of Dubravka being dropped, his wife uploaded an Instagram post saying "nothing in life is fair." Howe is insistent that he's not out to be "Mr. Popular", saying: "If you are after popularity, then don't become a football manager.

"Because you have to make tough decisions and upset people and that is the last thing that I want to do on a personal level, disappoint them or upset them but I am in the position where I have to do that on a daily basis, a weekly basis."

Some fans say it's a shame that Dubravka was dropped so soon. Reader Yossi1 says: “I don't normally go against Howe. I think he is a great manager, definitely the best Newcastle have ever had in my lifetime. I also think in general that his decisions on starting line-ups and subs are spot-on.

"But I don't agree with him dropping Dubravka. He's been great and I can't recall one goal we conceded because of him, in all the time he was in our goal. He conceded four against Man City, not one of them was his fault. So I think Howe has made a mistake which goes against his policy that if a player is doing well, he stays in. I can't remember him dropping Bruno after some not great performances recently. But Dubravka is an 'easy target'. That's how I see it.”

Commenter JohnHenderson agrees: “I simply cannot understand why Dubravka was dropped - he was in goal during that long winning run and did nothing wrong. When he let goals in, it was due to very poor defending in front of him."

N Shields Lad writes: “For me, Dubravka hasn't had a bad game since he was selected for the first team, I think he has had a poor defence in front of him. But like they say, he's the last in the line, and takes all the flak for which he paid the price. Now Pope let in three goals [against Forest], now do you blame him or the outfield defence?”

Justgivenup says: “The defence seems more settled when Dubravka is in goal. Pope was so far out of position for Forest's first goal, he should be dropped. He is usually the best shot stopper, but for all-round ability, Dubravka is the superior keeper.”

Itsnotbisto writes: “Howe's thinking here has baffled me. Dubravka is better than Pope, I believe most fans believe that from what we have watched, when we were on our good run it was Dubravka in goal. If he does not get in the team for the cup final, I will be gutted for the lad.”

DM TOONY sees the point of dropping Dubravka, however: “I'd be ok with Howe dropping Dubravka if he is only resting him for Villa and the Cup Final. Pope was way out of position for Forest's first goal, but he needs game time to get up to speed after being out for so long. We've got big games coming up, and might need both Dubravka and Pope.”

Have your say! Is Howe right to re-introduce Nike Pope after Martin Dubravka's run in the squad? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.