Harper' 18 clean sheets this season equals a club record

Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper insists they are not taking automatic promotion for granted despite their lead at the top of the Championship.

Wednesday's 3-0 win against Scunthorpe sent Chris Hughton's side four points clear of second-placed West Brom and 12 ahead of Nottingham Forest in third.

"We are well aware of the amount of games left and what's required in this league," Harper told BBC Newcastle.

"We're not underestimating the work that still needs to be done."

While Harper has been shutting strikers out at one end of the field, with 18 clean sheets this season, Newcastle's strikers have been equally as successful at the opposite end, netting 69 goals in just 36 games.

Andy Carroll and Peter Lovenkrands have become the first choice partnership up front and Harper admitted the duo have been impressive.

"Andy's been a revelation this season at both ends of the pitch, not just scoring goals but defensively as well paying a big part in the clean sheets," Harper said.

"And Peter - we as a group of players worked hard and pushed to get him back because we knew he's got goals in him. It took a while to get back to match fitness but he really does know where the goal is and he's been outstanding recently.

"It's a great partnership. Andy is a great target and Peter has an intelligent movement. When he gets one-on-one with the goalkeeper he's a really good finisher."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version