Newcastle United character is key - Steve Harper

Harper made his 137th league appearance for Newcastle on Saturday

Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper wants his team-mates to show their character at Everton on Saturday after the 2-0 defeat by Blackpool.

The loss ended an unbeaten home record spanning 26 games and Harper is keen to overcome the disappointment with a return to form on Merseyside.

"The run was going to end at some stage, we just didn't think it would be today," Harper told BBC Newcastle.

"We have to go to Goodison Park and show people we're a good solid unit."

Blackpool's win at St James' Park adds a tinge of disappointment to an excellent start by the Magpies following their promotion as champions from the Championship last season.

The 6-0 victory against Aston Villa and an impressive 1-1 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers followed an opening game loss at Manchester United to leave Chris Hughton's side with four points from a possible nine.

Harper admitted the defeat to Ian Holloway's Tangerines was a blow, but was heartened by positives in the performance.

"Four points from three games was par," Harper added.

"Today, you would have to say, was a big missed opportunity to kick on, three points today would have done us good.

"If we create as many chances as we did today in every game then we'll be ok.

"We created as many chances as we did against Aston Villa, everything went in there but it didn't today."