Newcastle United boss Joe Kinnear will undergo triple heart bypass surgery on Friday.

The Magpies manager was taken to hospital on Saturday after complaining of feeling unwell but it was thought that he only had high blood pressure.

Further tests indicated that he would require surgery.

Goalkeeper Steve Harper said it was a tough time for the players but it would bring them closer together and get some positive results.

"We found out on the Saturday morning and it really pulled the lads together," Harper told Setanta Sports News.

"We were desperate to get a really good result on Saturday and we managed to do that.

"I spoke to him on Monday and he's in really good spirits.

"It's frustrating being in hospital because he's the sort of person who's out on the training ground before anyone else and last off and he'll be fed up, missing being in and around the place.

"We all wish him a speedy recovery."