Harper shocked at Newcastle’s rise

Goalkeeper Steve Harper is delighted with Newcastle’s charge towards a top-four Premier League finish and admitted this season has taken him by surprise.

The 37-year-old veteran custodian has spent a large part of the campaign watching from the sidelines as Tim Krul has been handed the number one jersey by Magpies boss Alan Pardew.

However, Harper has been delighted at the way Newcastle have exceeded expectations as they are 9/2 to finish in a top-four spot going into the final game of the season at Everton on Sunday, where they can be backed at 21/10 to win with the Toffees 5/4 to come out on top at Goodison Park.

To be knocking on the door of a Champions League spot is real credit to everybody, and what a fantastic season it’s been.

Steve Harper

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The Easington-born keeper, who has spent almost 19 years at the Tyneside outfit, has likened this current campaign to when the late Sir Bobby Robson guided the club to the Champions League around a decade ago.

Harper said: “Sir Bobby built a young, counter-attacking, real threat of a team and you could see it happening with Sir Bobby, whereas this season, the club was set up for the top 10.

“To be knocking on the door of a Champions League spot is real credit to everybody, and what a fantastic season it’s been.”

Chelsea’s 4-1 defeat at Liverpool on Tuesday means Newcastle can finish no lower than fifth so they are guaranteed Europa League football at the Sports Direct Arena next season.

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