NEW RULE IS ED SCRATCHER

Semenyo in clear to face Toon despite Cherries cup run-out

- BY LEE RYDER

NEWCASTLE UNITED boss Eddie Howe says he will have to take a Carabao Cup rule change on the chin as he prepares to face former transfer target Antoine Semenyo tonight.

Manchester City's £65m signing (above) is clear to play against the Magpies in the semifinal first leg - despite featuring for Bournemouth earlier in the competition. Players are now permitted to feature for two clubs in the same season after cup-tied rules were scrapped.

The rule is a bone of contention on Tyneside, given Martin Dubravka was unable to replace the suspended Nick Pope in the 2023 final after playing for Manchester United earlier that season. But Semenyo, fresh from a debut goal in the 10-1 FA Cup win over Exeter, will be part of Pep Guardiola’ side.

Howe said: “It was nice to find out that rule had changed after finding out they'd signed him. That's probably one rule will keep him in goal tonight despite seeing Donnarumma (right) as his No.1.