Newcastle stopper eyes national spot
Newcastle keeper Tim Krul has admitted he has had a crazy 12 months after becoming Newcastle’s No.1 ahead of Steve Harper and making his international debut for Holland.
The Dutch stopper enjoyed a good run in the side at the end of last term and has been impressive in the Magpies’ opening games, keeping two clean sheets out of two appearances.
Following his performances, he earned himself an international call-up and manager to keep Brazil out in a 0-0 draw on his Holland debut earlier this summer.
“This last year has been the main one for me,” he told The Sunday Mirror. “It’s been a great experience for me to play 20 games for Newcastle and then make my debut for Holland.
“To play Brazil away and keep a clean sheet was a dream come true.
“Van der Sar was my idol from when I was five and to play against him in his last season was something special.
“I’ve got his shirt and his gloves from that game and they have a special place in my house.”
The 23-year-old has admitted he is hoping to be included in the Euro 2012 squad next summer, but also knows that he cannot afford to have any slip ups with Harper chasing closely behind him.
He said: “As far as my international career goes, I will need to be patient as I was with Newcastle. We also have two good keepers in Maarten Stekelenburg and Michel Vorm.
“But if I keep playing well, I can, hopefully, stay involved – especially with the Euros coming up next summer.”
