Harper Now Knows The Score
Last updated : 28 February 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
The Easington-born goalkeeper has been a credit to both himself and the club during his time at Newcastle, but still yearns for the day he is Number One.
Although he has been superb standing in for the injured Shay Given, United only picked up their first clean sheet since the end of November in the 1-0 UEFA Cup victory over Zulte-Waregem.
Glenn Roeder has always made it clear Given is his No 1 keeper, but he also said the Irish international would only play at the JJB if he was 100% fit. As it happens, Harper ended up on the bench.
Given: "Steve has been fantastic and he will have been devastated not to play against Wigan. He's done very well, and he should take a lot of credit for that.
"Personally, I was itching to get back in the team, and it was a tough decision for the manager to make."
Newcastle United Appearances Since 1999:
STEVE HARPER
2006/2007 18 (2)
2005/2006 1 (0)
2004/2005 5 (2)
2003/2004 2 (0)
2002/2003 3 (0)
2001/2002 3 (0)
2000/2001 9 (1)
1999/2000 25 (0)
SHAY GIVEN
2006/2007 25 (0)
2005/2006 47 (0)
2004/2005 52 (0)
2003/2004 53 (0)
2002/2003 50 (0)
2001/2002 47 (0)
2000/2001 35 (0)
1999/2000 16 (1)