Tim Krul: I want to be Toon No 1 – not leave

Aug 2 2009 by Mark Douglas, Sunday Sun

NEWCASTLE United’s adopted Geordie Tim Krul says that leaving the club is the last thing on his mind as he eyes Steve Harper’s No 1 spot.

This November is the third anniversary of Krul’s breathtaking United debut in Palermo – a display that marked him out as a potential star of the future.

Now 21 the Dutch keeper has moved up the pecking order after Shay Given’s departure, but he will start the Championship campaign behind the experienced Harper, who remains United’s undisputed No 1.

Despite continual interest from other clubs in the former Holland under-21 man, Krul is determined to bide his time at St James’s Park in order to learn all he can from Harper – and eventually succeed the Easington-born stopper.

With eight more games this season, Krul may get his chance to shine. And if that happens, he insists he will be ready.

“My aim is play in front of 52,000 Geordies. Of course there will always be interest from other clubs but I want to stay here,” he said.

“To get a chance to play for a club like this made sure I’d never be homesick. I feel like a Geordie now.

“I’m starting to talk like a Geordie. It’s a great city and great club. To go down was horrendous, but we look toward the West Brom game.

“This is a big season for me. We have three goalkeepers fighting for the spot and we need all of us at the club with forty odd games to come.

“I just have to be patient and when the manager needs me I have to show him I’m ready. Pre-season has been a big part of that

“This season is the third anniversary of the Palermo game – it’s been a long time but a good experience and mentally I’m a lot stronger than I was. I’m at a better level that was when I made my debut.