Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul is backing the club’s youngsters to grab their chances

Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul is backing the club’s young players to show they are ready to showcase their talents to the Premier League.

Krul has been in outstanding form this season, establishing himself as the club’s number one; and at just 23 years old he hopes the young group at St James’ Park can grow together as a team.

“This is our chance to establish ourselves,” Krul told The Chronicle.

“This is the way the club wants to go now. At the moment this team is showing we can move forward.

“That has to be the most important thing. We have a lot of young players here and a lot of young talent, we could be here for a long time.

“I am 23 and I want to stay here for a long time.”

Krul knows his first-team place is not certain with the experienced Steve Harper now fit, though he knows if he continues to perform like he has he will keep the jersey.

“The manager keeps saying we have to perform week in, week out. That is the only thing I can do and that we can do as players.”

“I am happy with the amount of work I have to do – it was more like a training session at Scunthorpe with the amount I stood up to! It was great.”

Newcastle’s next game will see them come up against QPR and former team-mate Joey Barton, and Krul is determined that the midfielder will not score.

“Touch wood, he did not score too often!

“The next game is Queens Park Rangers, another game in which we can pick up points. We know what Joey is capable of but this is a game we can pick up points in.”

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