Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul insists he is not going to play second fiddle to Steve Harper for too long.
Magpies keeper will not stay on the bench for long
Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul insists he is not going to play second fiddle to current No.1 Steve Harper for too long.
The Dutch shot-stopper has been warming the bench at St James' Park so far this season but is set to play against West Brom in the FA Cup this weekend.
Harper has only been handed a regular run in the Magpies' first team since the departure of Shay Given to Manchester City in February last year.
Krul is keen to not let the same happen to him, but claims he has a good relationship with his team-mate.
"We respect each other," he said in the
Daily Express. "Steve is doing really well this season and we are top of the league, but I'm picking up my games and I'm glad I've played in the Carling Cup and the FA Cup.
"The key thing is I feel I'm getting better all the time and that keeps me feeling all right.
"Harps is always helping me. It's not like we're not speaking to each other or hoping that the other one goes away.
"I have a year-and-a-half left on my contract and I will continue to learn from Steve.
"But I have no intention of being No.2 for as long as he was under Shay Given because I'm 21 now.
"I'm still on the road I want to be on and I'm still on course and that's the most important thing.
"I came to England when I was 17 and I set myself a goal. I'm now No.2 at a massive club. Where does that road lead? Far, very far, but I will take it step by step."
Despite being at the club for 17 years, 34-year-old Harper has only made 106 league appearances for the club.
