The 37-year-old did not make a first-team appearance for the Magpies last term after losing his place to Tim Krul. With Fraser Forster completing a permanent move to Celtic, Pardew is encouraging Harper to make a claim for the starting spot. "On the first morning we came in, even before training, I had a really good, positive chat with the manager, which was probably what I needed," Harper said. "It was a very good piece of man-management on the first morning. We had a really good chat, and I've got the bit between my teeth again. Despite my age, I feel good and sharp. "It was great to know the manager still thinks about you and that you're still part of the plans. "Tim had a good season last year. He rightly got the number one shirt - he's the man in possession. It's important to keep him on his toes to push him on the top level. That's what we've got to try to do."
