CHRIS Hughton is hopeful that Steve Harper will be fit for next weekend's home clash with Watford after being forced off at half-time during the 3-0 win over Swansea City.

The Toon stopper received treatment during the first-half on a back problem and failed to emerge after the interval.

And boss Hughton gave an update after the full-time whistle at Gallowgate.

"My feeling is he will be okay," he said.

"He felt his back, which was starting to stiffen up, and it was the right decision certainly to take him off."