Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper has admitted that he should have left the club for the good of his career.

With the exception of a handful of loan spells, the 38-year-old has spent his entire career as the number two keeper at St James' Park.

Having made just 197 for the Magpies since 1993, Harper has conceded that he should have sought pastures new.

"Over time you're going to have some regrets," he told BBC Sport. "The period Shay (Given) was playing year in, year out, in the early 2000s, that's when I should have done something about it."

Harper will leave the club in the summer and has been tipped to move into coaching.