Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper is eager to continue his first team role in the wake of Tim Krul’s absence from the side.
The veteran goalkeeper was thrust into the first team set up following Tim Krul’s injury. The Dutch shot stopper had injured his elbow while training with the Holland national team during last month’s international break.
Newcastle had lost a number of key players to injury, most of whom had sustained injuries during international duty. Fabricio Coloccini had also injured himself while he was away with the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Argentina-c2841 national team.
Other key players missing from the side during the opening weeks of the campaign were Cheick Tiote, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Danny-c10193 Simpson and Steven Taylor. Ryan Taylor and Haris Vuckic have been effectively ruled out for the remainder of the season.
These injuries have cost the Magpies as they slip down the table, failing to live up to all the expectations placed on them after last season’s impressive fifth place finish.
Steve Harper has been decent in front of goal, and believes that the team will bounce back once they have all their key players back.
The experienced 37-year old keeper played in the embarrassing 3-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United last week at home. Harper has now set his sights on the derby day clash against Sunderland this coming week when the Premier League resumes.
Harper is also hopeful of keeping his place in the first team even when Krul returns from injury, and is hoping the club makes the most of its goalkeeper options and rotates them in all competitions.
"Tim's comeback's not too far away, but we do have a lot of games coming up," Harper said.
"We have Robbie here too pushing for a place. He has made big strides forward in the last month or two. Those performances will do him the world of good."
He added: "I would like to get to 300, but I cannot see it happening at my age, but 200 would be nice. That is a landmark I would like to get to. We've got a long season ahead of us and we know there are plenty of games ahead."
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