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With none of England’s premier goalkeepers excelling at present Fabio Capello could do a lot worse than focus his attention on Newcastle stopper Steve Harper.
The 34-year-old has been magnificent for the Geordies this term in their surge to the top of the Championship table.
The Newcastle number one, who spent the majority of his career on Tyneside in the shadow of Shay Given, has been ever present for the Magpies and conceded just 10 goals in 16 league games.
The County Durham-born goalkeeper was once again in top form over the weekend in Newcastle’s 3-1 win over Peterborough and was majestic last Monday as he denied Sheffield United a late equaliser turning away Darius Henderson’s point-blank header.
But what Capello should be impressed by is Harper’s consistency.
His shot-stopping is word class and his presence is commanding, but his biggest asset is his concentration - he very rarely makes a mistake.
Harper, who asserted himself as Newcastle number one after Given’s departure to Manchester City, is a confident type and one who must be a contender to make it into Capello’s World Cup squad.
Just as Rob Green looked like he was in pole position for the Three Lions’ keeper jersey, he was sent off against Ukraine. David James has still not managed to shake off his ‘calamity’ tag. Ben Foster is unlikely to get a game now Edwin van der Sar is fit. Joe Hart is inexperienced. Paul Robinson’s confidence is shot, so Harper must surely come into consideration.
Months ago Capello revealed he knew who his number one shot-stopper was, but I’m not so sure he is as convinced as he says he is.
One of either Green or James are believed to be foremost in his thoughts, but Harper is more reliable than both of them and a dark horse in the world of world cup betting to make it to next summer’s finals.
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