Harper’s misfortune strikes again

Newcastle keeper Steve Harper’s luck finally changed a season and a half ago, after spending the majority of his career watching the action from the bench. With Shay Given moving to Manchester City, where rumour has it, the dressing rooms are paved with gold, Harper could finally call himself Newcastle’s number one keeper. It was a long road for Harper to get to be first choice, starting at the club in 1993 as a youngster. The 35-year-old has had to play back up for his entire Newcastle career, first behind Pavel Srnicek and then Shaka Hislop, before spending eight years in Given’s shadow.His first full season as number one was a successful one for both player and team. Newcastle won the Championship and gained promotion back into the Premier League and Harper keept 21 clean sheets in his 37 appearances. It all looked good going into last weekend’s game against Everton, Harper had started the new season well and looked on course to compete in his first full Premier League season at the grand age of 35. However, Harper’s luck ran out, when Everton striker Jermaine Beckford lunged in late on the keeper, who ended up doing an less than graceful half somersault before landing heavily on his shoulder.

Scans have not come back with good news for Harper and Newcastle. The stopper has damaged ligaments in his shoulder and looks set to miss the majority of the new season as he recovers. It’s rotten luck for Harper who could face the prospect of returning to action only to find a new number one in place.

Tim Krul will initially take Harper’s place between the sticks and the Dutch youngster has looked very promising whenever he’s been given a chance in the first team. Krul looked assured with the little action he had to do when he came on for the injured Harper during the 1-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park. It remains to be seen what will happen when the January transfer window opens however. Shay Given’s announcement that he is looking to leave City has only fuelled the Betfair Football rumour mill. The Newcastle legend has fallen behind Joe Hart at Eastlands and it’s fair to say he would be welcomed back with open arms by everyone at St James’ Park. Everyone that is, except Harper.

Meanwhile, the Blackpool betting suggests Ian Holloway’s side are still likely to go down after a mixed start the season.

They have won some games, but have been thrashed by Arsenal and Chelsea and could struggle as their squad is tested.