Lee Ryder has revealed there's nothing between Mark Gillespie and Loris Karius ahead of Newcastle United's upcoming cup final.
The Lowdown: Unimaginable circumstances at Newcastle
Less than a week ago, Nick Pope and Newcastle United were looking ahead to a cup final and the Magpies' first appearance at the redeveloped Wembley Stadium in such a match, but the goalkeeper's moment of madness last weekend has thrown preparations up in the air, with his red card meaning he watching from the stands.
With Pope suspended for the final, Martin Dubrvaka cup-tied and Karl Darlow out on loan at Hull City, it's between Karius and Gillespie as to who starts on Sunday.
Karius has the experience of finals and playing in the Premier League, but has never played a competitive game for Newcastle, whereas Gillespie has three appearances under his belt for the Magpies but has not previously played higher than the SPFL or League One.
The Latest: Nothing to split Karius and Gillespie
After speaking to the players and Eddie Howe on Tuesday, Ryder admitted on his Facebook page that there is nothing to separate the two 'keepers with the final creeping ever closer.
He said: "If it was definitely going to be Loris Karius, I think he would've put him up in the press conference.
"I think it's a bit disrespectful to just say it will be, because from what I'm told, there is not much to pick from the two goalkeepers."
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The Verdict: Karius is the sensible choice
While there may not be a lot between the two 'keepers, the fact that Karius has played in the Champions League, Premier League and German Bundesliga would suggest he's the more accomplished player to start on a big occasion.
However, he does have that Champions League final nightmare display on his CV, which may well be playing on his mind if he walks out as Newcastle's No 1 at Wembley, so a boyhood fan in the form of Gillespie could be a safer bet if he can handle any big-game nerves.
Gillespie would know what it means to be playing at the national stadium for the club given he grew up supporting, but we feel Howe must make a decision based upon ability alone and nothing emotional should be attached.