Tim Krul was told he would keep his position, despite Harper being fit and ready for action, and the former West Ham boss has been as good as his word.
But Krul cost Newcastle Chelsea's second goal last Sunday, much to Pardew's frustration, and with Fraser Forster helping Celtic beat their Scottish Premier League clean sheet record ... the Toon boss faces a massive decision.
Celtic kept out their opponents in 23 of 38 SPL games, with Forster in goal for all but two of those, and Pardew has been getting rave reports from Chilly Jockoland about the 23-year old.
The on-loan Newcastle goalkeeper equalled a club record at Norwich the previous season, keeping 18 clean sheets in 38 League One games.
Forster: "We only started paying attention to it in the last couple of weeks," Forster told the Celtic View.
"We don't really set off at the start of the season with a target of keeping clean sheets, but you want to achieve as many as you can.
"I'm very proud to be a part of it. I equalled Norwich's last season but to set a new record at a club of this stature is something really special.
"It's a great achievement for the whole team because everyone's contributed to it. Everyone does their job and this record is a credit to everyone."
Forster is still contracted to Newcastle next season but has not ruled out extending his stay at Parkhead.
All the more reason Pardew should give him his Premiership chance.