Source: Northern_Echo
A Krul warning for number one Harper
STEVE HARPER has been warned to expect a tough season at Newcastle, regardless of how quickly the United squad adapt to life back in the Premier League.[LNB] Last Sunday's 6-0 win over Aston Villa raised hopes that a relegation fight might not be on the cards.[LNB] But, even if Newcastle continue in that sort of sensational form in the months ahead to stay clear of the bottom three, Harper has been urged not to take his first team place for granted.[LNB] The departure of Fraser Forster on a season-long loan to Celtic this week has left Harper with just Tim Krul as competition.[LNB] But another fine display from Krul at Accrington Stanley on Wednesday night has reminded everyone on Tyneside that the more experienced goalkeeper may not have it as easy as many would expect.[LNB] Krul, 22, has only made three league starts since moving to the North- East in 2006, but feels ready to establish himself as a regular in the Premier League.[LNB] The team's target is just to stay up but for me, my target is to make the breakthrough this season, he said.[LNB] I want to play at the highest level I can and you can't get any higher than the Premier League.[LNB] That is what I am going to do if I get my chance. I am lucky. I had Shay Given and Steve Harper looking after me at the start of my career and now it is Steve.[LNB] He looks after me, even though I would like to take his place as soon as possible.[LNB] That is why I am here at Newcastle, to win that one place. It is good competition for both of us, but he has to keep fighting me off.[LNB] Steve has been a fantastically loyal goalkeeper and Newcastle fans love that, but I am here to take his place as soon as I can.[LNB] Newcastle are well aware of the talent at their disposal, having watched Krul develop since luring him over from Holland, where has been a regular at youth international level.[LNB] I am getting older. I am 22 and I just need to prove myself when I get the opportunities, he said.[LNB] Am I getting closer I don't know. I hope so. I am hoping we stay in the Carling Cup as long as possible because that is where I can show what I can do.[LNB] I am pushing Steve more and more. That is all I can do.[LNB] I need to push, push, push and then it is up to the gaffer to make the decision.[LNB] I have to be ready when my chance comes. I suppose I haven't done my claims any harm and in the second half at Accrington I was really busy.[LNB] The next time Krul, expected to be left out for Harper at Wolves tomorrow, starts for Newcastle he is unlikely to find himself in the same team as Steven Taylor.[LNB] The defender is said to be disappointed that Newcastle have transfer listed him just days before the transfer window closes after a breakdown in talks over a new contract.[LNB] His existing terms are due to expire at the end of the season and his agent, Paul Stretford, has claimed the 24-yearold is prepared to accept less than a basic wage of between £60,000 and £69,000 a week, figures which have been leaked from the club.[LNB] Steven's very disappointed at the manner he learned of the fact he had been placed on the transfer list, said Stretford.[LNB] Steven's equally disappointed the club has seemingly drawn a line under the contract negotiations that had been taking place.[LNB] This is the last thing Steven wanted. He's been at the club man and boy and he doesn't want to be involved in a public dispute with the club he loves.[LNB] He's quite happy to accept people at the club will earn more than him that's football.[LNB] He's not been given a chance to complete that process before being placed on the transfer list.[LNB] But equally he wants to be rewarded for playing a part in the that success, just as he is happy to accept adjustment to his contract for failure.[LNB]
