Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper is looking forward to testing himself against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Wayne-Rooney-c36736 ahead of the clash against Manchester United this Sunday.
The veteran goalkeeper was thrust into the first team set-up following an injury to first choice stopper Tim Krul.
The Dutchman injured his elbow while on duty with the Holland national squad during last month’s international break. Many other Newcastle first team starters sustained injuries while on national duty with their respective teams.
Captain Fabricio Coloccini strained his thigh while training with the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Danny-c10193 Simpson received injuries playing for the club.
Harper has been in goal for Newcastle for the past month or so, and the player has been in decent form considering the lack of playing time he has had to experience lately.
The keeper faces his toughest test of the season so far as Newcastle prepare to host Manchester United at the Sports Direct Arena this Sunday.
The former English champions will be out for blood after suffering an embarrassing 2-3 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. This was the first time United lost to Spurs at home since 1989. The Red Devils are experiencing problems at the back
following Nemanja Vidic’s injury, and have conceded 8 goals in 6 games.
Newcastle United will be hoping to inflict maximum damage through their in-form striker force. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Demba-Ba-c10812, Papiss Demba Cisse and Shola Ameobi all pose a physical and constant goal threat, and United will be wary of them.
Harper on the other hand is eying a clean sheet, and knows it will be a tough task considering he’ll be against the likes of Van Persie and Rooney.
“I’ve played against some pretty useful strike forces down the years, but not too many as good as Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie,” Harper said.
“In fact, my nine-year-old son James is taking great delight telling me how good the two of them are! Apparently, he knows more about all the strikers in Europe than I do.”
“He’s looking forward to it as much as I am, although I think he’s expecting a busy old afternoon for Dad.”
Tags: