Steve Harper admits he has asked himself why he stayed at Newcastle but is determined to hang onto the number one shirt.
Harper has sat on the bench for most of his career as back-up to Republic of Ireland international Shay Given at St James' Park.
"It has been difficult at times and I can't deny there have been times when I've questioned my decision to stay here," he told the Journal.
"A lot of people have said the manager's decision to keep me in the team sends out the right signals. I've got the jersey and it's up to me to keep it. It will be down to me if I lose it and that's what you want in the team.
"I'm determined to hang on to the shirt, even if Shay is a friend. The long periods I've been on the bench have been the hardest period of my professional life and, now I'm in the team, I want to stay there. You do hear stories about goalkeepers at other clubs who don't get on, but Shay and I have been together for the best part of 10 years. We have a good relationship on and off the field. It's difficult when one has to miss out on matchday, but we both know that is football and we are supportive of each other."
