By Matthew Jones
October 30 2003

Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper has threatened to quit St James' Park for the sake of his career. The 28-year-old has informed Sir Bobby Robson that his patience is wearing thin after playing second best to Shay Given for the last few years. Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper has threatened to quit St James' Park for the sake of his career. The 28-year-old has informed Sir Bobby Robson that his patience is wearing thin after playing second best to Shay Given for the last few years.

HARPER SAID: "I don't want to retire at 35 and look back and say 'What if? "This is probably a pivotal season for me. If I don't get another game, then I'd say I have a big decision to make.

"It would be a huge decision to leave. But I will be 29 at the end of the season and you can't hang around for ever.

"At the same time, the grass isn't always greener on the other side.

"I wouldn't leave for the sake of it. I'm from here and I'm happy here.

"People say I am in a no-win situation.

"Realistically, I know that whatever happens against Albion I'm not going to stay in the team for the Aston Villa game on Saturday.

"It's just up to me whenever the opportunity comes along to give a good display. Yet Shay always wants to play as well.

"We are friends, though we are also professionals.

"If the manager asks if you want to play, you always say 'Yes'.

"It does not matter who your friends are."

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