Harper hails future Shearer role

By Saj Chowdhury

Harper is behind Shay Given in the Newcastle pecking order

Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper says Alan Shearer's new role for next season may prove to be the turning point for the troubled St James' Park club.

Shearer signed a one-year extension to his contract in April and will be player-coach for the Magpies.

"It's vital to get someone like Alan involved in the club. He's got a wealth of experience," Harper told BBC Sport.

"He'll get stuck in next season and that may help our fortunes. The young lads have got a lot to learn from him."

Harper added that the Magpies have found it hard to recover from the setback of being knocked out of the quarter-finals of the Uefa Cup and then the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

The Premiership form of manager Graeme Souness' side has also suffered greatly in the last two months, with Newcastle currently lying in 14th, having not won a game in seven attempts.

There has been transfer speculation as regards to Shay, so who knows what the summer will bring Harper on team-mate Shay Given

"The mood was okay up until a month or so ago," added the Easington keeper.

"We were flying but the league form has been distracted by our two cup exits.

"What could have been a fantastic season for the club has tailed off a bit."

Harper said there would be changes in the summer to improve the squad.

"The chairman Freddy Shepherd and the manager have got big plans for us," he said.

"They will be getting their heads together to decide what needs to be done.

"I'm sure the chairman will give the manager a lot of financial support to take the club forward."

Harper's own season has been frustrating, having played second fiddle to number one choice Shay Given.

However, he hinted that Given could leave the club before the start of next season.

"When you've got someone like Shay in front of you you can't be knocking the manager's door down," said Harper.

"He has shown a level of consistency and had a run of being injury free.

"Obviously, I want to play but if Shay keeps doing the business then I will have to keep my head down.

"But there has been transfer speculation as regards to Shay, so who knows what the summer will bring.

"Just a phone call could have an effect on where Shay, or even I, might be next season."