Harper pens Magpies deal
11 Sep 2006 - 16:34:55
Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper has inked a two-year contract extension with the club and insists he is desperate to push Shay Given for a regular first-team starting spot.
The 31-year-old will now remain at St James' Park until the end of the 2008-09 campaign.
"Signing this contract extension was probably the biggest decision I've had to make in my entire footballing career," Harper told the club's official website.
"I've made no secret of the fact that I want to be playing first-team football on a regular basis. I still feel I have many good years left in me at the top of the game and I'd love those to be spent helping Newcastle United achieve success.
"Anyone who thinks I'm happy just to collect my wages and sit on the bench every week during the season couldn't be more wrong. In fact, my desire to play first-team football burns brighter than ever.
"I want to play first-team football and I want to do that here at Newcastle United. When I got a start in the UEFA Cup earlier in the season at St James' Park, even if it was a quiet evening for me over 90 minutes, it still reminded me that this is the club I want to play for.
"It was fantastic news for the club and the fans when Shay Given signed his new contract in the summer. He's a great friend, but we're also great rivals and every day in training we push each other all the way so that our high standards never slip."
Harper has made only 33 League appearances for the club since joining the Magpies 13 years ago.