Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper has signed a new two-year deal at St James' Park.
Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper has signed a new two-year deal at St James' Park.The new contract will keep Harper on Tyneside until the summer of 2009.
Harper has seen his chances of first team football limited by the form of Shay Given and he has been forced to play second fiddle to the Irishman.
31-year-old Harper admitted the decision to stay at Newcastle was a tough one and he has vowed to fight Given for a place in the side.
"Signing this contract extension was probably the biggest decision I have had to make in my entire footballing career," Harper told the club's official website.
"I have made no secret of the fact that I want to be playing first-team football on a regular basis.
"I still feel I have many good years left in me at the top of the game and I would love those to be spent helping Newcastle United achieve success.
"Anyone who thinks I am happy just to collect my wages and sit on the bench every week during the season could not be more wrong.
"In fact, my desire to play first-team football burns brighter than ever.
"I want to play first-team football and I want to do that here at Newcastle United.
"I am a north-east lad and Newcastle United has been a big part of my life since I first joined the club as a professional back in 1993.
"My family are very settled here and that is another very important factor when you have to make a decision like this."
