Given, who has been one of the Premier League's most consistent and highly-rated keepers in recent seasons, finally opted to leave St James' Park for Manchester City last month - opening the door for long-term reserve Steve Harper.

Harper has long been considered one of the top flight's most talented understudies and Kinnear believes the Magpies are in safe hands.

"When I came here, I said straight away the goalkeeping department was one of the areas in which we were blessed. He is a very competent, good goalkeeper," Kinnear told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle.

"We have Tim Krul and Fraser Forster as well, and it is probably the strongest area at the club.

"Harps has come in now, and he has an opportunity to stake his claim.

"He can guide the younger players and, with him being the longest-serving player at Newcastle, he knows the club inside out."

Harper extended his contract by three years in January when it became clear that Given was on his way to Eastlands, and he now has the chance to establish himself a regular in the first team as well as push for potential international recognition.

Kinnear added: "Steve is probably one of the top five English goalkeepers. He is in the frame for the next 14 games."