Howe believes Karius is ready for Newcastle’s EFL Cup final

Despite suffering a concussion, Lloris Karius made two errors leading to goals in Liverpool's 2018 Champions League final loss to Real Madrid. However, Eddie Howe believes he's over that match. He told his press conference: "

I've never really discussed that at any length with him [Karius].

"We've all got stuff that's happened in our careers and our histories that you learn from, and I think he's no different in that respect.

"Since day one since he's come here – he started where he hadn't had a lot of work before joining us – he's trained with our goalkeeper coaches in a really, really good way.

"His general performances in training have improved as he's spent more time with us, and I think he's in a good place and he's ready to play."

Asked about his conversations with Karius, Howe added: "

Those conversations are the type of conversations I have with him on a regular basis.

"How is he? How does he feel his training's going? Are we giving him everything he needs to be the best that he can be?

"He's a very likeable, laidback character. I've got no doubts on his confidence levels. He seems very relaxed and excited – as Mark is – about what lies ahead.

"I think we have to be very positive about our situation, about the game. Yes, it's a blow to lose Nick, but we still believe in the team and the group that we have."

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