Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper admits he did not expect to feature again in the Premier League

Steve Harper: Admits he did not think he would play in the Premier League for Newcastle again

Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper admits he did not think he would get another opportunity to play for the club in the Premier League ahead of his appearance on Monday night.

Harper replaced the injured Tim Krul for the trip to Everton as the Magpies produced a dramatic comeback to claim a 2-2 draw.

The 37-year-old had not featured in the Premier League since April 2011 prior to that match having lost the gloves to Dutchman Krul, and spent time on loan at Championship side Brighton last season.

The keeper admits he allowed his performances to slide after being displaced as Newcastle's No.1 but is determined to make the most of any chances given to him by manager Alan Pardew this term.

He said: "I didn't think a night like this would come again. It looked a long way away.

"It was probably a little bit my fault as well. When Tim started last season, I admit I got the hump and let my standards slip.

"That's probably the reason I went on loan and wasn't involved.

"But the first morning of pre-season the manager asked to see me. He said, 'Have you still got it?' I said, 'Yes'.

"He told me if I showed him I still wanted it, there would be an opportunity. So credit to him."