Steve Harper may be forced to come to the rescue of Newcastle United in the final weeks of his career.

The Evening Chronicle says the Toon will end the season coping with a goalkeeping crisis after Tim Krul's derby-day injury against Sunderland ruled him out for the season.

United's back-up keeper Rob Elliot also looked like he was struggling with an ankle injury and was seen clearly limping during the 3-0 loss yesterday.

Further injury to Elliot would leave the stage open for 38- year-old keeper Steve Harper as the only experienced body to come in for the final few games of the season.