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Harper Eager For Columbus Return
Written by Newcastle Utd
United stopper Steve Harper is looking forward to facing Columbus Crew tonight, 11 years to the day after our only previous encounter
Of all the players representing United in the USA this summer, goalkeeper Steve Harper is the only one with prior experience of facing tonight's opponents in a Newcastle shirt.
Harper was part of Sir Bobby Robson's squad that took part in a similar Stateside tour some 11 years ago, and played the second-half against Columbus in a 2-2 draw ahead of the 2000/01 season.
Fast-forward to today, and the 36-year-old is ready to go again against the Ohio side as Alan Pardew continues to assess his goalkeeping options ahead of the new campaign.
And despite the game being billed as a friendly, Harper is expecting a tough time against Robert Warzycha's side.
"This was always going to be the most competitive game," said Harper, "because Columbus Crew won the MLS a couple of years ago.
"I've played here before. The pitch is very good, and very firm, and we expect a busy night.
"I couldn't really remember much about he city, but coming into the stadium brought back memories.
"I can remember a cracking atmosphere, a very competitive game, and I'm sure it'll be the same this evening."
With Tim Krul staring the first game of the tour against Kansas City and Fraser Forster taking over between the sticks against Orlando, Harper is desperate to get the go-ahead tonight at the Columbus Crew Stadium.
And much like everyone else in the Newcastle squad, the Easington-born keeper is fully aware that competition for places will hot up as the season-opener draws near.
He said: "Everybody's desperate, in every position, to get into the team for the Arsenal game. We have a tough start to the season, and hopefully everybody can be fit and available, and give the manager a headache.
"But when you haven't had a game for three-and-a-half months, it's just what you need.
"Unfortunately, we've lost a couple through injuries and births, and are down on numbers, but if I have a busy night, that's ideal."
And on the injury that forced him to miss the final few games of last season, the now fully fit Harper added: "My knee had been an issue for a few years, and last season it was just a case of playing on until we were safe then going in and getting the operation.
"It gave Tim (Krul) an opportunity to play the last half-a-dozen games once we'd established our Premier League status.
"But I feel good and strong and my shoulder and knee are fine. We've got a good medical department here, who have given me a programme to work on with my knee, and it feels better than ever."