Toon stopper keeps Brazilian clean sheet

Newcastle keeper Tim Krul has laid further claim to a first team spot at St James' Park next season. The 23-year-old shined for Holland over the weekend, keeping a clean sheet against world heavyweights Brazil in a friendly.

Krul, who made his debut for the senior national side, was chosen to start after Maarten Stekelenburg and Michel Vorm were both injured.

The Newcastle stopper said he was delighted at his performance, particularly because it was against a team with the caliber of Brazil.




"This is like a dream come true for me. Making your debut like this gives a fantastic feeling,” Krul said.

"It was an amazing evening and I am very happy.

“It went really well, although I admit that I had some luck as well when Erik Pieters cleared a ball off the goal-line.

"Keeping a clean sheet against Brazil is quite something."

The rest of the Newcastle squad are currently resting in preparation for a pre-season tour of America, with

some fresh faces expected to be added to the side over the summer transfer period.

After the sale of Andy Carroll for £35 million in January, Pardew has some money to spend, and the Newcastle manager has been linked with a host of stars including Lille’s Gervinho, Reading striker Shane Long and Lorient’s Kevin Gameiro.