Sir Bobby: Harper Needs To Be Patient

By Matthew Jones
June 24 2003

English-born keeper, Steve Harper is rated as one of the best in the game, but he is loosing his patience, as Shay Given is Magpies' Number 1. Sir Bobby has asked Harper to bide his time.

Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby Robson has asked Steve Harper be patient at St James' Park. With Shay Given taking charge of the goal on a regular basis, Harper has been told to bide his time.

Harper, who is rated one of the best English-born keepers, is getting frustrated.

Robson said: "Steve Harper has just signed a new contract and we are happy about that.

"We have been saying for some time that in him and Shay Given we have the best pair of goalkeepers in the Premiership and nothing has changed in this respect.

"To tell the truth, there is not much to choose between them, but of course Shay has been absolutely outstanding in recent seasons.

"But Steve is terrific back-up - just the back-up we need in fact. He didn't get his chance last season because Shay did so well - and not only that, he managed to avoid any injury.

"One of the reasons Shay Given plays consistently so well is because he has Steve Harper breathing down his neck.

"I'll be talking to Steve when we report back for training and all I can say to him is to keep soldiering on and to stay patient."

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