Source: Eurosport
Harper holds key for Toon - Hughton
Newcastle caretaker Chris Hughton believes the Magpies' Premier League survival chances could rest on the shoulders of goalkeeper Steve Harper. The 34-year-old has emerged from Shay Given's shadow in the last two months following the Irishman's January move to Manchester City, and has found himself thrust into a desperate scrap.
Since Given's departure after more than 11 years on Tyneside, the Magpies have won only one of their eight games and collected six points from a possible 24. Little blame could be attached to Harper for that run, which has seen the club slip into the relegation zone with just eight fixtures remaining, and he will be a central figure as the season reaches a dramatic conclusion.
Asked how big a part Harper will have to play, Hughton replied: "Massive, not only because of the position he plays, but he is also the longest-serving player here."For the Manchester United game, he was captain, so that shows how he is looked upon at this club, and he is vitally important because of his position and the person he is."
Harper is the only survivor at St James' Park of Kevin Keegan's first spell as manager.He joined the club in January 1993 from local side Seaham Red Star, but apart from two brief spells when he edged ahead of Given in the pecking order he remained number two to the Republic of Ireland international under a succession of managers.
With his contract due to expire at the end of the current campaign, he seemed certain to see out his existing deal before finally admitting defeat in his efforts to gain first-team football at St James' and move on during the summer. However, Given finally lost patience with the turmoil on and off the field in January and when City came calling, Harper was handed his chance. A new deal saw him installed as number one and asked to bring his vast experience and his calmness under pressure to bear.
Hughton said: "In this period of time, he is quite a calm individual and is a soothing influence."Vocally, you want him to be on top of players, but he has also got to be one who can calm situations and alleviate a little bit of pressure on the back four and the team."
