Shay’s no longer No 1

Mar 30 2008 by Neil Farrington, Sunday Sun

SHAY GIVEN is no longer Newcastle’s No 1 keeper, with him and Steve Harper viewed as equals by manager Kevin Keegan.

Harper insists he is no longer simply Given’s understudy – and Keegan has confirmed as much.

Given’s latest injury lay-off has given Harper the chance to shine under Keegan, who believes the Easington-born stopper is as talented as any English keeper.

“I feel there is a really level playing field with Shay now,” says Harper. “That was the way it was for every player the last time the manager was here.

“It’s a welcome situation.”

Given is determined to be fit again this season after undergoing groin surgery last week, and is used to returning to the starting line-up when fit again.

But Harper adds: “We will see when the time comes, but I’d like to think that if things were going well I will stay in.”

And while Harper himself insists he is “well down the pecking order” for an England call-up, Keegan believes he is international class.