Harper played 6 consecutive games this season before being dropped and replaced by Given for the Machester City game which saw Newcastle lose 4-1.

"I thought my first six games of the season went pretty well, but the manager put Shay back in and I went to see the manager. We discussed it man-to-man and I got my feelings across. What was said will remain private.

I just went in and got my point across. I thought the six games had gone well and I was disappointed. It was man to man and we had a good, what I can only say, was a conversation. I have worked hard for the next opportunity. Now I have one. Shay is out for two or three weeks and I will give it my all and the rest is out of my hands."

With regards to the club, Newcastles longest serving player is used to the topsy turvy start to the season and sympathises with Sam Allardyce.

"I have been at Newcastle a long time and know how it works. Ten days ago we had, statistically, the best start in 11 years and everyone was thinking three points at Reading, that is two points a game that is top-six form or top-four even.

Then two very, very disappointing performances later and it is crisis time. That is just Newcastle United. It is a roller-coaster of ups and downs. This is just the way it is here. There is never any middle ground.

We are either qualifying for Europe or the manager is under pressure. That is the way it is and has always been.

But come Saturday evening, if we have won against Sunderland, everything will be rosy again."

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