Krul up for the battle to hang on to No 1 slot

Dec 5 2010 by Mark Douglas, Sunday Sun

HAVING waited five years to get it, Tim Krul is determined not to let the No 1 shirt slip out of his grasp. Chief Sports Writer Mark Douglas reports.

THE Tyneside branch of the St James’ Park goalkeepers union remains as strong as ever.

But as Steve Harper nears his long-awaited return from a shoulder injury, Tim Krul is adamant that the senior man has a fight on his hands to reclaim No 1 billing.

As far back as most can remember, Newcastle’s collection of talented shot-stoppers have been brothers-in-arms. Shay Given and Harper were close mates despite their ongoing battle for goalkeeping supremacy, and a similar link has developed between veteran Harper and up-and-coming Krul.

The Dutchman would be the first to admit his long-serving compatriot has brought his game on immensely since he first arrived as a fresh-faced 17-year- old from Den Haag. But when the Newcastle No 1 jersey is on the line, niceties are suspended somewhat.

“I had to be patient last year,” he says.

“I have always been lucky that I have been playing with the national team at Under-21 level and that has always kept me going. Every month I had a couple of games with them so that kept my going.

“Steve was really good as well and has been the first to tell me that he was in my position and it is worth it. He always told me that my chance would come.

“But I must admit it has been good for me to have a good run because last season it was just one game here and one game there and then a month of nothing.

“It feels great to be part of the team. Last year we won the Championship but I only played three games. Now I feel very different.

“You feel you are part of something massive being in the Premier League. It has always been a dream of mine to play in the Premier League and so to play at Arsenal, beat Chelsea away in the Carling Cup and then drawing against the champions in the league – it is what you dream of.”

And having experienced that, naturally Krul doesn’t want to let it slip through his hands. Not that the Holland under-21 ‘keeper has been doing much of that recently.

After a slightly nervy start deputising for Harper, the accomplished displays have stacked up, not least his nerveless shutting-out of Arsenal at the Emirates last month. Building on that burgeoning reputation, he posted a terrific display last weekend to earn United a much-needed point against Chelsea.

So no wonder he is yearning for more opportunities to show what he can do – despite the ominous presence of Harper looking over his shoulder once more.