Harper: Bizarre to see Gutierrez at right-back

Jun 19 2010 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

STEVE Harper has been surprised to see Newcastle United club-mate Jonas Gutierrez reinvented as an international full-back – but the goalkeeper has no wish to see him play there for the Magpies.

The contrast between Gutierrez’s jobs for club and country could scarcely be more striking.

The 26-year-old played as a left winger in Newcastle’s Championship-winning side but the unpredictable Diego Maradona converted him into a right-back for Argentina’s first two World Cup matches.

The 1986 World Cup winner identified Gutierrez’s work-rate and his ability to start attacks from deep as qualities best utilised at full-back in Argentina’s hugely-talented squad.

But even with a vacancy at right-back for the start of next season, Harper would prefer to see his club-mate return to the position he knows best.

“I’ve never seen him play at right-back before but if you’re Argentinian and Diego Maradona asks you to do something, you do it,” Harper said. “It’s a strange position for him because he is such a great outlet for us on the left wing, but I know he has played in that role before for his country so I’m sure he is happy enough doing it.”

Danny Simpson will miss the start of the coming campaign as he convalesces from a summer foot operation, but Harper will not be pushing manager Chris Hughton to fill the hole with Gutierrez.

“Would I like to see him play there for Newcastle? Not really, because he is such a threat for us going forward and he was one of our best players last season playing on the left wing,” Harper argued.

“He’s going to be a big player for us again next season, but I’d like to see him further up the pitch than right-back. I know full-backs are like wingers these days but I think he is better playing in a more attacking role, certainly that is where he has done well for us.

“He is an exciting player and I’m sure he is looking forward to proving himself back in the Premier League.”