Harper to continue Euro adventure

Steve Harper will continue his whirlwind romance with the Champions League tonight as Newcastle attempt to throw Group E back into the mixer.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper, who played just three games last season and sat on the bench for 50 more, will turn out in his second European tie in succession against Dynamo Kiev at St James’ Park.

Harper made his first start since November 27 in the 1-0 win over Juventus last week as number one Shay Given was rested, and after sitting out the 2-1 Premiership victory over Charlton on Saturday, will return for the visit of Kiev.

His patience has been tested to untold limits over the last couple of years, but the Easington-born player is philosophical about his plight.

“It is very difficult,” he said. “Show me a professional footballer that’s happy when he’s not playing, and you can’t find one.

“It is very tough. I played three games last season, but Shay was voted the best goalkeeper in the Premiership last year, so I can hardly go hammering on the manager’s door saying ‘I should be playing because he’s not doing the business’ because last year, as voted by his fellow professionals, he was the best goalkeeper in the Premiership.

“He is a top-class goalkeeper – he proved that on one of the highest stages this summer with his country.

“He’s a very big friend of mine and we work well together. I think we need each other, to be honest, on the training field because we’re both very supportive of each other whoever plays.

“But it’s not easy. I’m 27 now – they say goalkeepers reach their peak in their early 30s, so I’ve still got a bit of time on my side.

“I’m here and ready to be called upon and if I can keep doing well when I get a run-out or Shay gets injured or anything, it’s up to me to take the opportunity when it comes along to prove to the manager that I should stay in the team.

“I would love to stay in the team, but it’s up to me to show the manager that I’m capable of doing it.”

Harper has spent much of the recent past sitting on the bench, but has 50 first-team appearances under his belt, including the Juventus game and the 1999 FA Cup final clash with Manchester United.

“That was my 50th start last week and I’ve been fortunate enough to play in some big games,” he said. “Last week was a big game and this one is every bit as big.

“Hopefully we have a good public behind us and we get off to a good start and make it as difficult as we can for Kiev.”

Robson has confirmed Harper and Given will rotate during a busy period for the club, but that is only one of a series of selection headaches.

The manager has assembled his strongest-ever squad, and that means even big-money signings like Hugo Viana are not guaranteed a place.

Peruvian Nolberto Solano is struggling with an ankle injury. Kieron Dyer has shaken off his back problem, although Jermaine Jenas and Viana will be desperate to start.

Craig Bellamy is in the United States ahead of his consultation with knee specialist Richard Steadman leaving Shola Ameobi and Lomana LuaLua to fight for his place, while Nikos Dabizas returns from suspension but may have to give way to Titus Bramble, who has impressed in his absence.