England Class Harper!

Last Updated : 25-Feb-2009 by
Chris Hughton: "When you lose a keeper of that calibre what you need is an experienced goalkeeper.

"Now he hasn't played the number of games that Shay has played but certainly he's an older head that has been around a while and he's played an absolutely crucial part for us.

"The period he came in last season, he didn't let anyone down. I knew about him from before I came but when I got here he was the keeper who was playing and it was then that I realised what a quality goalkeeper he was.

"He's done the same since he came back into the team.

"What has probably held him back is that he's not had a sustained run of games.

"But if you're looking at the England quality goalkeepers in the country - he's up there with them. How many are there actually playing on a regular basis? He doesn't fall short from them - all he needs now is a long run in the side.

"He's still young enough - he's got a long period of games in front of him and perhaps the fact that he's not played that many games will help him to go on even longer."