 Harper initially became first choice right-back but after a few months he lost his place to Gary Stevens, who went on to become an England international.From then on, Harper never really held down a regular first team place at Goodison but like Kevin Richardson, he became a vital squad player, filling in for various positions on the park when first-teamers were injured and frequently appearing as a substitute.During his first season, Harper scored a spectacular goal against his previous club Liverpool in the Merseyside derby at Goodison.