Harper to finally move on?

[Scottish Mag 3]

Steve Harper will keep a close eye on any developments in Shay Given's contractual situation after admitting that, should the Irishman sign a new deal at St James's Park, he could be forced to quit the club.

 

But the 30-year-old last night warned Newcastle that they have taken a considerable gamble by forcing his goalkeeping rival to wait until this weekend before beginning a discourse with his representatives. Michael Kennedy is scheduled to open talks with Freddie Shepherd ahead of this afternoon's Premiership meeting with Arsenal and, whilst he will be acting exclusively for Given, the subject of those discussions will also have a major bearing on Harper's future.

 

Both players have got 18 months to run on their existing contracts at the club. Should Shepherd persuade Given to extend his career in the North-East, it could spell the end for his capable deputy.

 

"I will be 32 when my contract is up and I don't want to retire at 36 having only played 130 games," said Harper, who, having played just four league games in four-and-a-half seasons, hopes to persuade Graeme Souness to sanction a loan move in the New Year.

 

"I don't want to tell my children that when I retire. You only get one shot in this game and I want to do something that I can be proud of. In 18 months time, I could leave. If people are showing an interest in me, we will see."

 

 

Having played just one first-team game this season - his single Intertoto Cup appearance against Dubnica came almost five months ago - Harper is desperate for action. But having described Given as the best goalkeeper in Europe, he knows that he is unlikely to find it at St James's Park.

 

 

"I love training through the week but, at 2pm on a Saturday, I'm like a bear with a sore head," he said.

 

 

"I work as hard as anyone all week and it does get you down. I'm not happy with not playing every week and the longer it goes on, the worse it becomes. But I can't knock on the manager's door and complain about how Shay is playing, can I?

[Dr Kenneth Noisewater 0]

If things don't improve Harps may be our no.1 keeper in a years time. Wouldn't blame Given for not re-signing.

[Craig 6700]

Knowing our luck, they'll both move on.....

[snakehips 0]

Knowing our luck, they'll both move on.....

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Nar, Given will leave and shortly after Harper will 'do' his hamstring!!!

[Alan Shearer Is God 0]

Sooner the better tbh.

[Jusoda Kid 1]

Harper will never move, he's in the comfort zone and would have went before now if he was going.

[Guest alex]

Harper would be playing for England if he went to another Premier League club. Either that or after 5 games he would get sussed out and we'd realise he's nowt special.

He's a decent number two, nothing more. I reckon he'll only go if he doesn't get a new contract here. If he had any ambition he would have left years ago.