Harper eyes Newcastle win

Newcastle backup goalkeeper Steve Harper believes that the next two games are the biggest of his career. Harper has taken over the number 1 jersey as Given battles back to fitness after suffering a groin injury.

"The next two games at Birmingham and at home to Fulham are the biggest the club has had in a long, long time," said Harper.

"We've got to get a minimum of four points from them. We can't afford to lose either, because they're against two sides who are below us.

"We've got to go to Birmingham looking to win the game, and then we've got to beat Fulham at home."