Newcastle United star Sean Longstaff is backing ex-Carlisle United goalkeeper Mark Gillespie to shine if he is called upon in the Carabao Cup final.

Former Blues No1 Gillespie will be in the Magpies' squad to face Manchester United at Wembley tomorrow.

While Loris Karius may be favourite to start, there will be at least a place on the bench for Gillespie in the major final.

His involvement in the big game would be a memorable moment for the player who was on Newcastle's books as a boy before rejoining them years later, having established himself as a professional at Carlisle.

Gillespie and Karius are Toon boss Eddie Howe's senior goalkeeping options with Nick Pope suspended and Martin Dubravka cup-tied.

Midfielder Longstaff said he was "gutted" for No1 Pope but added: "We've got two really good back-ups in Loz and in Mark.

"We're really confident in them stepping in.

"Whichever one plays we know we've got a really good keeper back there and it's a great chance for them to play in a cup final," added Longstaff, speaking on Sky Sports.

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Gillespie has been on Newcastle's senior books since 2020 after joining the Premier League club from Motherwell.

He has made three senior appearance in that time, all in the Carabao Cup.

Ex-Liverpool No1 Karius has yet to make a first-team appearance for Howe's side since joining Newcastle last year.

Gillespie came through Carlisle's youth team and made 180 appearances for the first team from 2009-17.

He has also played for Walsall and Motherwell.