Mark Gillespie, is a 30-year-old goalkeeper who could possibly make a first team appearance during next weekend’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester United, find out more about the Newcastle United goalkeeper, his age, salary and FIFA 23 rating
Gillespie will be vying for the starting spot at the final with former Liverpool keeper Loris Karius.
Who is Mark Gillespie Newcastle United goalkeeper, his age, stats, FIFA 23 rating and salary
Loris Karius – Mark Gillespie
Who would you pick for the Carabao Cup final vs Manchester United? 👀🧤 pic.twitter.com/UjBfyUEqYZ
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 18, 2023
The fact that Mark Gillespie a goalkeeper that never has played at a higher level than a Scottish mid table side and he might start in the Cup Final is insane. pic.twitter.com/zgLsaJBq15
— David De Gea and Grytebust Fan (@sbjorkavag) February 18, 2023
Mark Gillespie has been at his boyhood club since the summer of 2020 but little is known about the goalkeeper.
Mark Gillespie set for possible start
Interestingly, Gillespie hasn’t made a single appearance for the Toon since a penalty shoot-out win over Newport County, which was back in two-and-half years ago.
He has often found himself stuck behind the likes of Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka, and Karl Darlow. However, Pope is currently suspended due to a red card against Liverpool, Dubravka is cup-tied after playing for Manchester United in the tournament, and Darlow is currently out on loan at Hull. As such, Gillespie could be set to have an unlikely shot at the starting spot.
The only thing in his way as things stand is former Liverpool keeper Loris Karius. While many people assume Karius will play ahead of Mark, Eddie Howe did mention as well Gillespie when asked.
Howe said:
Nick is really disappointed, as we are for him. He has been magnificent for us. He does not deserve to miss the game but it is what it is. Nick misjudged it and it hit his arm. I think it was harsh and the referee could have given a yellow card.
Mark Gillespie early career
Mark Gillespie is a Newcastle-born stopper who joined the Magpies when he was just eight years old. He later moved on to Carlisle when he was about 16, in 2008 and broke into their first team in League One. Following the sides relegation, he became their undisputed No1.
Gillespie made one of his most praiseworthy performances during a League Cup game against Tottenham as a 20-year-old back in 2012. Following that game, he earned praise from Andre Villas-Boas and veteran stopper Carlo Cudicini.
He made great saves from Iago Falque and Ryan Mason despite losing 3-0. Gillespie shared about the match:
After the game Carlo Cudicini said ‘good luck’ to me, and I got his shirt, which was nice of him.
Their manager also said well done and they are all great role models to look up to. You look at the quality they had on display and you would love to be playing against that regularly. That’s what we have to aspire to.”
Departure from Carlisle
Mark Gillespie then left Brunton Park in 2017 to join fellow League Two side Walsall with a two-year deal. However, he lost his starting place half-way through his first season, after Liam Roberts took his place.
Gillespie then moved again in 2018 to Motherwell after signing a two-year contract. While playing there, he made 67 appearances across two seasons despite initially starting out as the No.2.
During his time there, the 6ft 3in goalie earned praise from former Fir Park player Graeme Smith. The former goalkeeper stated ahead of a clash with Rangers:
From what I’ve seen of the keeper so far this season he has been really impressive. He makes big saves at big times in games and that’s what Motherwell will need if they are going to get a result. He’s made a difference and has been playing well.”
A second stint with the Magpies
Gillespie then moved to Newcastle, initially starting out as the third choice goalkeeper in the summer of 2020. After joining, he played three League Cup games in his first season, as a replacement for the injured Martin Dubravka. However, he has barely made any appearances since then and was named on the bench just once this season.
Mark Gillespie Rating is 67 in FIFA 23. His potential is 67 and his position is GK and he is 30 years old from England and playing for Newcastle United. Gillespie earns £5,900 per week, £306,800 per year playing for Newcastle United F.C. as a GK.
Loris Karius
29-year-old Loris Karius is currently the only man who stands in the way of Gillespie’s starting berth at Wembley. Karius was a constant starter at Liverpool until his blunder in the Champions League final nearly five years ago, which started his career, downfall.
The German international then played 67 times on loan across two seasons at Besiktas. He conceded 95 goals in those seasons, despite his team being one of the biggest sides in Turkey. Loris then played five times for Union Berlin back in the 2020-21 season, before eventually returning to Liverpool.
However, he was not even named in their squad last term, and he eventually left for free to join Newcastle. Following, the move, Karius is still yet to make a debut for the Toon. He will battle it out with Gillespie to start at Wembley next weekend.