Tim Krul got his chance on Saturday, after Steve Harper was injured in the first half,  and again the 22 year-old let nobody down with his strong  and safe performance.

Andy Carroll congratulates Tim Krul on a good game Saturday

The Dutch U21 International told the Evening Chronicle today:

“It’s just a crazy, unbelievable game isn’t it? On Thursday I was playing in the reserves and then on Saturday in the Premier League for my debut.” “It’s been a dream come true to play in the Premier League and something I have dreamed of all my life.” “It’s what I’ve been training for, for many years, and it’s great it’s come true.”

“It would have been nice to do it in happier circumstances.” “I felt for Harps straight away. I saw he landed on his shoulder and knew it was bad.”  “It was a bad tackle. Luckily nothing has broke but it’s still the ligaments so it’s not good.” “You want to get the chance but in happier circum-stances. But I have to take the chance now and be there for the team.”

“It was important to play well and get three points, and we didn’t expect that before the game.” “It was nice to have a bit to do in the game.  “There were a few little nerves as well, when you get the shout to come on you feel nervous in your first game.” I had to take a free-kick straight away, but that got me into the game straight away.”

“It was just a strange feeling to get on like that.” “We needed to get back to winning ways.” “We just kept going and it was a great performance.”

And it was really good to see goalkeeper coach Paul Barron meet Tim on the pitch at half time to give him some encouragement  – it’s clear there is a great camaraderie at Newcastle at the moment, both between the players and with the coaches too.

But Everton, like last week against the Red devils had two good chances to score in injury time but luck this week was on our side, as one shot hit the post and Tim luckily got the rebound, and right at the end of the game,  Marouane Fellani missed a great chance from just six yards out, when he ballooned the ball over the bar.

Tim talked about the one that rebounded off the post:

“It was a weird one. I think it hit Kevin on the heel then hit the post.” “When I saved it, I heard Kev say to himself ‘well done Nobby lad, well done’.”

“I couldn’t stop laughing but it was a lucky escape.” “We deserved it because of the penalty shout.” “The Everton fans were great when I came on.”

“They were clapping me, but they wanted their team to do well.” “Some of them were shouting ‘hurry up you Dutch so and so’ but that’s part of the game.”

Tim was interviewed on the field after the game, and he was just overjoyed and excited to have made his debut and that Newcastle had won the game and he had played his part.

We have a great future goalkeeper in Tim Krul, and now he gets his long awaited chance in the Newcastle first team, with Steve out injured – maybe even for some months – but of course we will have to remember that Tim is still not an experienced goalkeeper and has a lot to learn.

Comments welcome.