Magpies ready for the fight says Tim Krul
Aug 2 2010 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal
NEWCASTLE United's players will be out to prove a point when they return to Premier League action on August 16, says Tim Krul.
The 22-year-old goalkeeper is yet to play top-flight football for the Magpies, but that makes him an exception in a squad containing many of those relegated from the division 14 months ago.
While the Dutch under-21 captain is impressed by the additions Chris Hughton has made this summer – Sol Campbell, Dan Gosling and James Perch – he thinks the lack of outgoings could be vital.
Krul said: “We have made cracking signings.
“We have kept the squad together, no one has left except Nicky Butt (whose contract expired this summer).
“Most of these boys know what to expect in the Premier League and everyone knows we have a point to prove.
“That is the biggest feeling I am getting from the dressing room at the moment. We also signed players in January like Wayne Routledge, who will be a great signing in the Premier League.”
It is Campbell’s arrival Krul is most looking forward to, and he thinks the experience gleaned in 73 internationals and all 18 previous Premier League seasons will be of massive benefit to the squad.
He added: “Sol’s stats say it all. He has played almost 500 (Premier League) games and that brings composure.
“He can show the younger lads like me just how to stay composed at certain times.
“It is always nice to bring an older pro in to keep the squad tight. We were short defensively with Steven Taylor being injured.”
Krul was a substitute in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with PSV Eindhoven.
Trailing 2-0 at half-time, Ryan Taylor and Leon Best earned a draw.
Krul came on immediately after Taylor’s 52nd-minute goal and saved well an acrobatic attempt by Stanislav Manolev.
Krul said:“I was not expecting to be in action straight away and making such a good save.
“It was a nice result and nice for me to see a few friends. They had six or seven lads with the national team with whom I have come through.
“I is nice to win games but it is more about getting people going and as Manchester approaches (Newcastle kick-off their Premier League campaign at Old Trafford) we will need to pick it up more.
“Tomorrow (when Newcastle are at Deportivo La Coruña) will be the time to step up further and we are all looking at Glasgow as the one for us to really pick it up.
“All of the players were wearing heart rate monitors to see how well they are progressing.
“They tell you how many runs are being made by everyone so no one can get away with hiding – except me, I am fine, I did not have to wear it!”
Last week Krul signed a new four-year contract and the Dutchman says he has “a good feeling” he can finally become the Magpies’ number one after five years learning his trade.
He added: “I always said my dream was to play in the Premier League.
“I would love to do that with Newcastle. It is going to be a great four years and hopefully it will lead to me becoming number one.
“I have to keep pushing Steve Harper. I have a feeling a good feeling even though I have a very good goalkeeper ahead of me.”
Joey Barton missed Saturday’s match with a slight groin strain but looks almost certain to start tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle has confirmed Newcastle’s interest in defender Jlloyd Samuel, though it may not manifest itself in an offer.
