Source: Northern_Echo
Keeper Harper will not let England dream die
STEVE HARPER will use Newcastle's return to the Premier League to remind Fabio Capello that he is still available for England duties.[LNB] The Magpies' goalkeeper, who will attempt to keep Manchester United at bay on Monday evening, is eager to fill the void left in the England ranks following Paul Robinson's retirement from international duties and doubts that Capello's longterm plans include David James and Robert Green.[LNB] Harper may be five years older than Robinson, but he has no intention of declaring himself unavailable for the Three Lions.[LNB] The Easington-born keeper admits to being a little disappointed when he was overlooked for a shock call-up to last night's friendly against Hungary in favour of England Under-21s Scott Loach and Frank Fielding. But that will not prevent him from regarding the upcoming season as an opportunity to press his claims for a debut cap.[LNB] Harper said: My aim is to play as well as I can week in and week out, and if I do well and the team does well anything else is a bonus.[LNB] I've played against Scott Loach and he's a fine young goalkeeper. It's a fantastic opportunity for him.[LNB] Joe Hart is the outstanding candidate for it now. He had an excellent season at Birmingham and probably deserves his opportunity.[LNB] Newcastle are awaiting reports on the suspected ankle ligament injury sustained in training by Leon Best, but Chris Hughton has been boosted ahead of the trip to Old Trafford by confirmation that Andy Carroll has recovered from the back problem that forced him to withdraw from the England Under-21 squad earlier this week.[LNB] Hughton revealed that he is optimistic of making further inroads in to the transfer market with Marseilles winger Hatem Ben Arfa thought to be in his sights, but he asked the supporters to remain realistic about the club's prospects this season.[LNB] At this moment we are a side who is building towards something. Even the feel of our own supporters is that expectations levels have been dampened and we are grateful for that. They realise where we are at the moment. We have been through tough periods and we need to build again.[LNB] We have had a season in the Championship. Without a huge outlay you can't expect a team outside the top flight to then finish in a European spot.[LNB]
