Source: Northern_Echo
Campbell could extend his time on Tyneside
SOL CAMPBELL could be celebrating his 37th birthday as a Newcastle player after Chris Hughton revealed that if the veteran centre-half impresses this season he can earn himself another year at St James' Park on top of his current 12- month deal.[LNB] Hughton admits that while recent captures such as Dan Gosling and James Perch are ones for the future he regards Campbell as the type of quality performer who will walk straight into the Magpies first team.[LNB] Confirmation that Steven Taylor's dislocated left shoulder injury will sideline the defender for three months will have made Campbell's arrival all the more welcome.[LNB] The former Arsenal and England international will not play any part against PSV Eindhoven tomorrow afternoon, but if he proves his fitness in training over the next fortnight then Campbell is set for inclusion in the Newcastle starting XI that kick off their Premier League campaign at Manchester United on August 16.[LNB] Hughton is in no doubt his former Tottenham colleague, who returned from honeymoon last week after being married in Corbridge, Northumberland, has kept himself in shape over the summer and sees no reason why the upcoming campaign should be his last in the top flight.[LNB] It's a year contract but the challenges are all there, said Hughton. I know the type of individual that Sol is and I think he will be looking that if it is a good year for him, then anything can happen.[LNB] The reason that he has come here is the type of challenge it presents and the stature of the club. Knowing Sol, he will want those challenges to continue for as long as possible.[LNB] Sol is a very fit individual.[LNB] It's not so long since he was playing very regularly for three seasons at Portsmouth when he didn't miss many games. Last season was different, but he was available for a lot of games. There are things we need to find out but he is a fit lad.[LNB] It's even more important now Steven (Taylor) is out, but I think it's even more important what he can bring to the team at this moment, for those around him as well.[LNB] Steven Taylor's still someone we regard as a young player and what he can learn off Sol will be invaluable.[LNB] It's an important time for us and a big decision. We know what we will be up against in terms of the quality of strikers this season. It's a big hole to fill.[LNB] The Newcastle manager explained why he had recruited Campbell despite the club's stated aim to target players under the age of 26.[LNB] Hughton said: We thought about him for last season so it's one that's always been on the agenda. Whenever you sign a player I think it is all about timing. Do you bring in a 24-year-old that has great potential to sell on for double what you paid for him[LNB] It's about trying to get the balance right between bringing in somebody like Sol, who is a ready-made player that can walk into your first team.[LNB] You know it's shorter term as such, but it fits your need at this particular time. It's all about timing.[LNB] In the meantime, goalkeeper Tim Krul has set himself the target of becoming Holland's number one after penning a four-year contract to remain on Tyneside.[LNB] The Hague-born keeper has made seven starts for the Magpies plus two from the bench and was between the posts for last Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Norwich City.[LNB] Krul said: I am delighted to commit my future to Newcastle United, hopefully I can fulfil my dream by becoming the future number one goalkeeper as well as getting into the Dutch national team squad. I have been at the club five years and it feels like home.[LNB]
