TIM Krul has urged Newcastle's young guns to seize their opportunity as United move to within touching distance of the last 32 of the Europa League.

Alan Pardew will ring the changes for Newcastle’s trip to Club Brugge tonight, with Sammy Ameobi and Shane Ferguson likely to be among the young players given their head in Belgium.

Krul could play too and would welcome the chance to continue a European education which began six years ago in Palermo.

That day he made a significant impact, which gave him the firmest foundations to become Newcastle’s number one.

He wants to see Ameobi and Ferguson make the most of their chances.

Krul said: “It is all about opportunities. I used to love the cup games because that used to be my opportunity, and it’s the same thing for the other young lads now coming through.

“For them, it’s a chance to prove themselves.

Krul (left) had to be reminded it was six years since he made his bow in southern Italy, but he remembers the game with fondness.

He added: “It has been six years now, so it has been a long time.

“It’s a long journey, a lot of things have happened since.

“Of course, I am pleased with how it has been because I am the number one of Newcastle United now and that was the aim.

“I was 18 at the time but it was a great night for me, my first professional game.

“There was a long way to go and I injured myself three days later – I did my knee – so I saw the highs and the lows in a short period at the time.”

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