Steve Harper has had showdown talks with his Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce.

The goalkeeper claimed the manager went back on his word to keep him in the team if his form merited it, bringing back Shay Given instead, says the Daily Mail.

Harper, who will play against Sunderland on Saturday after Given was injured, said: "What was said will remain private. I have worked hard for an opportunity. Now I have one. I will give it my all and the rest is out of my hands."