Steve Harper has revealed that he’s found it tough being Newcastle’s second choice keeper for the majority of his career, however it is a challenge he enjoys. Harper’s chance at first-team action at the moment is restricted to cup games, with Tim Krul being the clear no.1 at Newcastle. This is something Harper is not unused to. After all, the goalkeeper spent the majority of his career playing second fiddle to Shay Given before Krul staked his claim. Speaking about his battle with the out of favour Aston Villa keeper, Harper told GK Icon: “Shay and I had a good battle for a couple of years and then he kicked on for three or four years and was outstanding. “That was a very tough time for me but the team were doing well and Shay was outstanding – he was a fantastic servant for the club. “When he decided to move on, it gave me an opportunity and I had a good run at it.” Harper admits that having had a decent run it was disappointing to lose his place to Tim Krul: “I had a good couple of years where I was playing week-in, week-out which is what I always wanted and I really enjoyed it. “It is hard but Tim is a top goalkeeper and, like me, he is impatient and just wants to get fit to start playing again. He did very, very well last season and the manager said he is the number one. “But I am enjoying it and I see it as a challenge to get more games, and I will hopefully get a few more by the end of the season.” Harper is proud that he’s in his 20th season at Newcastle despite not playing as much as he would have liked. His contract expires in the summer and it’s unknown whether it will be extended for another year or whether the 37-year-old will look for another club or go down the coaching route. Harper’s been a fantastic servant for Newcastle, and is always the ultimate professional on and off the pitch! Do you think he’s been unlucky not to have played more games for the Toon?
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