Will We See Harper One More Time Before His Retirement?

Steve Harper is on standby for Newcastle United's visit to West Bromwich Albion. First-choice goalkeeper Tim Krul was ruled out of the club’s last five games after dislocating his shoulder in Sunday’s 3-0 Tyne-Wear derby defeat to Sunderland. And Rob Elliot, who replaced Krul early in the second half, hobbled off the field with an ankle injury. Long-serving Harper – who will leave Newcastle in the summer when his contract expires – made the last of his seven appearances this term in October, keeping a clean sheet in the 1-0 Europa League victory over Club Brugge at St James’s Park. The 38-year-old – who joined the club 20 years ago – has made 197 appearances for the club in his 15 first-team seasons at Newcastle. Rob Elliot: “Tim isn’t good, and I’m gutted for him. “I’m not one of those people that would ever wish an injury on somebody to get my chance. “He’s a brave lad, so if he had to go to hospital then that tells you it isn’t good. It was a bad day anyway, but losing someone like Tim has made it even worse.”   Source: Newcastle United Mad

Source: FOOTYMAD