Pope was sidelined for more than a month after suffering a knee injury in December, with Martin Dubravka taking his chance and impressing in the absence of the England international.
Pope was recalled for last Sunday’s game against Nottingham Forest and kept his place for the midweek trip to Liverpool.
But the 32-year-old was unconvincing in both games and will have been disappointed with Forest and Liverpool’s first half openers.
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“I think with Nick, there’s been some good bits and there’s been some bits that probably naturally when you’re coming back from injury, like he has been, that have been a little bit rusty in his game,” admitted Howe.
“But I think that’s natural for any player. I think he’s got, I still believe, standout qualities. He’s a top goalkeeper.
“And yeah, I think he, naturally with his experience and his knowledge and understanding of his own game, we’ll know he’s got high expectations of himself as well.”
Howe must now decide whether to stick with Pope for Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Brighton and in the run-up to the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool next month, or to recall Dubravka – who was understandably disappointed to lose his place in the side.
He said: “I think naturally whenever there’s a player coming out of any position, a bit of disappointment, you’d expect that. And I think that’s totally natural.
“It’s never totally clear because you’ve got to get the balance right and you’ve got to think of the team first and foremost. And that’s what I always do. I don’t think of individuals, think of what the team needs. And I’ll have to think about what I do this weekend.”
