Toon Goalkeeper Feeling His Age!

Last updated : 14 March 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor
Harper: "I'm feeling older by the day and there is a group of young goalkeepers coming through behind us who are making us feel old as well.

"The rivalry between those two could be just as intense as it has been between me and Shay through the years. They've both got a lot of potential and that's great. I'm sure it is the ideal scenario for the club.

"You never know, if they keep on improving they might be pensioning me off sooner than I thought.

"Tim had a dream debut against Palermo in the UEFA Cup last season but he's been a bit unlucky since then. He's injured his cartilage a couple of times and he's just got back from Falkirk after dislocating his shoulder.

"That's a serious injury for a goalkeeper, but he's in the best possible hands and I'm sure he'll be looked after.

"Its a shame because, when he went to Falkirk things didn't go too well and they were letting a lot of goals in, but they have turned it around and Tim was doing well. I'm sure he will push on again next year."

"Fraser has come on superbly in the last 18 months. Kids normally go on a gentle learning curve, but I've never seen a goalkeeper progress as much in 18 months as Fraser has.

"I think next season Fraser will go on loan somewhere, which is what I did and what a lot of young goalkeepers have to do. If he does well there I think he can go on to great things.

"I don't want to put him under too much pressure, but he could become a top keeper. If you look back 18 months he was big and gangly, but he has done a lot of hard work.

"A lot of young kids don't listen, but Fraser is like a sponge, he takes it all in. I'm sure when he gets the opportunity to go loan he will make the most of it."