STEVE Harper gets another opportunity to impress between the sticks as United play host to West Bromwich Albion in the Carling Cup on Wednesday night.

Harper has had to watch from the sidelines as Shay Given's impressive run of consecutive league games broke the 100-game barrier, but after playing in the UEFA Cup second leg in Breda he is given another chance to shine as The Magpies meet the high-flying Baggies.

"I'm sure it will be a tough game for us because West Brom are flying this season and they'll want to show they can compete against a Premiership side," said Harper.

"Our manager will make a few changes and probably give a few of us who don't play as a regularly a chance to start, but there's no doubt he is taking the competition seriously and will be wanting us to progress as far as possible.

"We're on a good run now having won the last five games, and we're hoping to keep that run going on Wednesday because it keeps the confidence levels high.

"We've turned things around over the last couple of weeks, and I think we've proved  afew people wrong because there was a lot of talk earlier in the season about splits in the camp and having five dressing rooms and all that sort of stuff.

"But the togetherness is there for all to see now. We have a good squad of players here, and whatever team the manager choose against West Brom we will be aiming to get into the next round.

"Last season we lost to Everton at St. James' in the first round. I played that night and remember it going to extra time and penalties. Hopefully we can avouid the penalties again on Wednesday night - but if it does go to that then we've certainly got a hoodoo to get rid of!"