But, there was no bust up (as reported in one newspaper), and the Easington-born goalkeeper had to be talked out of taking to the bench ... because he was injured.
Harper had picked up a calf injury in training and was talked out of taking his place among the substitutes by Keegan and his medical team.
Keegan: "It's just a slight calf muscle injury.
"He wanted to go on the bench, but when we analysed it all, we thought if he had to come on and kick a ball, he would probably struggle."