Long-serving Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper has backed struggling striker Papiss Cisse.

Cisse’s incredible goal-scoring helped Newcastle United to fifth last year, but the Senegal international is yet to score this season, and missed miserably from the penalty spot against Norwich City.

The 27-year-old was not supposed to be taking the penalty with Hatem Ben Arfa having already converted from the spot this season but was handed the opportunity to end his goal drought by stand in skipper Jonas Gutierrez.

Harper told the club’s official website: “You have seen the spirit in the camp right there in that moment. It shows what fantastic spirit we have got that people want to get Papiss going.

“He was incredible last season and just needs a goal this time. It’s a real team ethic here, and giving him the opportunity to score just shows that. It wasn’t to be, unfortunately, but Papiss will score for us – loads of them this season.”