Harper was ready for Harewood

Posted on 22nd January 2007

Newcastle United keeper Steve Harper has relieved the moment when he ensured the Magpies got a point against relegation haunted West Ham United. Newcastle could have lost their point in the 2-2 draw at the weekend when Marlon Harewood was left with just Harper to beat, but the keeper dived to save at the burly visiting striker's feet.

It was Harewood who was involved in a challenge on Shay Given at Upton Park which put the United keeper out of action for two months. Harper said after Saturday’s match: “Because of the history I was prepared for him, and the ball was there to be won. But he may have come off a little bit worse this time.”

Harper had been more or less thrust into the action when Given injured his groin midway through the second half. Given is now set to miss out on a month’s worth of football with the injury.

“Shay said he felt his groin straight away and had to come off but I think he just doesn't like playing against West Ham. We will have to wait and see how Shay is because we know he is a quick healer, but if the opportunity is there then I will look forward to it,” said Harper. “I got a great reaction when I came on and the fans have always been fantastic with me. They know how long I have been here and how much it means for me to get on. I didn’t have much time to think about things when Shay went off, but you have to switch on straight away and you do not like conceding goals at any time. But having said that, I would not have minded conceding one if we had scored another two at the other end.”

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