Glenn Roeder has backed Steve Harper to bounce back from his mistake at Anfield.
Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder has backed goalkeeper Steve Harper to bounce back from his mistake against Liverpool.Harper lost his footing as he attempted to stop Xabi Alonso's effort from inside his own half as The Reds went on to win the game 2-0.
Shay Given's unfortunate injury paved the way for the 31-year-old to get a rare Premiership start but he will be remembered for allowing the Spanish midfielder's 70-yard effort past him.
"He was distraught because he is such a top-class pro," Roeder said. "He took it badly. He wrongly thinks he has let the lads down. He hasn't let the lads down.
"The lads rallied round him after the game and he'll pick himself up and make many saves in the absence of Shay.
"It was a marvellous effort by Alonso but without doubt if Steve doesn't slip over it would have been a great long pass into his arms. It was a fantastic strike but Steve was very unlucky there."
