Steve Harper has warned Shay Given the fight for the Newcastle
goalkeeper's shirt is far from over.
The 32-year-old Englishman and the Republic of Ireland
international, 31, are close friends but at the same time have been
huge rivals at St James' Park for the last decade.
Harper was devastated to learn he had lost his place in the team
for Saturday's trip to Manchester City after starting the previous
six Premier League games following Given's groin injury.
Manager Sam Allardyce, who initially stuck with the Easington-born
keeper even when the man who has occupied the number one spot for
so long was fit again, admitted he did not deserve to lose his
place, but went with his gut feeling at Eastlands.
Harper has demonstrated a remarkable patience over the years and
while he will, as ever, remain professional, he will not cease in
his effort to oust Given.
He said: "The battle goes on.
"It goes without saying that I was desperately disappointed to be
left on the bench on Saturday, but I must say what made it easier
for me was that I lost my place to a top-class goalkeeper.
"But I am not one to spit out my dummy and all I can do is keep
working hard and try to get back into the team."