BRUNO GUIMARAES has hailed his Newcastle United team-mate Nick Pope as the 'best goalkeeper in the world' after the shot-stopper's heroics helped the Magpies claim a 1-0 win over Southampton in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.

Pope made two superb second-half saves from Che Adams at St Mary's to ensure Newcastle will have a one-goal advantage to defend in next week's second leg on Tyneside.

The England international has now kept a remarkable ten clean sheets in a row, and Guimaraes is in no doubt as to his quality.

Guimaraes said: "We controlled the game but we missed big chances.

"It's just the first game now we need to think about the next one. I'm proud of the team today.

"One goal is important, we could score more but most important was to be one goal in front of Southampton.

"I want to thank Nick Pope I think he's the best goalkeeper in the world.

"Let's keep it going."

Southampton had the ball in the net in the second half of tonight's game, but Adam Armstrong's effort was ruled out for handball after a VAR check.

Pope said: "I let one in and VAR helped us out.

"We're happy with the defensive aspect of the game, we look solid at the back and the boys work hard to make it happen."