Newcastle United and Republic of Ireland keeper Shay Given may have to make way for his number two Steve Harper for tonight's Champions League clash with Juventus.
Following his indifferent start to the season, culminating in a below-par display in the 5-2 defeat at Blackburn on Saturday, noises have been made in and around James' Park to rest the Donegal man.
It would represent Harper's first start in 45 games since the 4-1 Worthington Cup fourth-round victory over Ipswich on November 27th.
The 27 year-old who recently signed a new long-term contract to end speculation over his future at St James' Park, has been forced to take a back seat to the Irishman in recent times, displacing him just three times last season and sitting on the bench on 50 occasions.
Given's stunning form during United's superb last campaign won him many plaudits and he was a major factor in the success of Sir Bobby Robson's side, forcing Harper on to the sidelines.
But the former England boss has always pronounced himself happy with both his frontline keepers and worked hard to keep his nominal number two on Tyneside.
Harper's ability has never been in any doubt, and although his lack of first team action in recent times may be a concern, Robson will have no qualms about calling upon the most able of deputies for The Magpies' must-win game tonight.