TIM Krul says the team spirit which got Newcastle United into Europe least season is back.

The Dutch goalkeeper pointed to Sunday’s dogged 1-1 draw at Liverpool as proof of the mentality which served the Magpies so well last term.

The hosts had 66% of possession and a man advantage for the final 10 minutes of a game three Newcastle players limped off in.

But a moment of individual brilliance from Luis Suarez was the only way they could beat Krul and claim a point.

“The spirit is definitely back,” Krul declared afterwards.

“There is a real determination within the squad that was there last season as well.”

The decision not to appeal Fabricio Coloccini’s red card, for a studs-up tackle on Suarez, has further reduced manager Alan Pardew’s options for the next Premier League game, at home to West Ham United.

Cheick Tioté completes his own suspension that day, while James Perch, Yohan Cabaye and Demba Ba all left the game early through injury.

“I have been injured as well, and we haven’t really had a solid base all season,” commented Krul.

“It doesn’t look like it’s going to be for the next few weeks either.

“That’s a shame, but we still walk away from Anfield with a point and we have some great games to look forward to.

“There’s going to be more changes in the backline now, and that’s always something you could really do without. Fabricio is one of our star players, so it is a shame we are going to be without him.

“It’s happened though and we have to handle it, just like we’ve handled it all year. We’ll be all right.”