TIM Krul feels he is "stronger" for being dropped by Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew at Christmas and is determined to make the most of his second chance in the last knockings of 2010-11.
In his fifth season at St James’ Park, the Dutch Under-21 international made his Premier League debut in September, when first-choice goalkeeper Steve Harper damaged ligaments in his left shoulder.
It began a run of 17 consecutive games for Krul, who particularly impressed in November’s 1-0 win at Arsenal. But as soon as Harper was fit again, the Easington-born player was rushed back into the team.
Krul admits that hurt, but thinks it will do him good in the long run. Granted a return to the side last week by Harper’s knee injury, he intends to make the most of it.
“I need to take my chances,” admitted Krul. “In the first half of the season I thought I did really well but of course the gaffer dropped me. I think that made me really strong. Opportunities don’t come very often, so when they do you have to take them. I hope I’ve done enough.”
Newcastle are optimistic Harper may be fit enough to play some part in the final four matches of the season, but there is no reason to push him out ahead of schedule, particularly after Krul acquitted himself so well against Manchester United and Blackpool.
The Magpies are playing for nothing more than pride and place money, and Pardew is looking to gather as much evidence as possible to influence the decision he has to make this summer.
Hexham-born Fraser Forster returns from his loan spell at Celtic at the end of the season, which will leave United with one quality goalkeeper too many.
Pardew is acutely aware both Forster and Krul have ambitions on the international as well as the club scene, and there is no chance of either settling for being third choice on Tyneside next term. Rather than lose either of the highly-rated pair, one will therefore go out on loan.
“At the moment I’m not looking at the summer, I’m looking at the near-future and nights like Manchester United are really important,” said Krul. “That shows I’m there. I’m here to be number one. I’ve been here now for six years working hard. Harps has been really important because he’s told me how difficult it is to be patient.
“He said, ‘I’m 36, your chance will come.’ I’ve been working hard and he’s been there for me every day with (goalkeeping coach) Andy Woodman.”
