Newcastle United Football Club News

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52,193

Kinnear puts faith in Harper

05 Feb 2009 - 08:26:13

Click To Enlarge

Newcastle United boss Joe Kinnear does not believe Shay Given's exit will have a detrimental effect on the Magpies.

The long-serving Republic of Ireland international left St James' Park for Manchester City in the January transfer window, but Kinnear sanctioned the deal as he believes he is "blessed" in the goalkeeping department.

Given's long-time understudy Steve Harper is now set for a lengthy run in the first team.

"When I came here, I said straight away the goalkeeping department was one of the areas in which we were blessed. He (Harper) is a very competent, good goalkeeper," Kinnear told the Evening Chronicle.

"We have Tim Krul and Fraser Forster as well and it is probably the strongest area at the club.

"Harps has come in now and he has an opportunity to stake his claim.

"Steve is probably one of the top five English goalkeepers. He is in the frame for the next 14 games.

"He can guide the younger players and, with him being the longest-serving player at Newcastle, he knows the club inside out."