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Dutch Stopper Raring To Go
Written by Newcastle Utd
Teenage keeper Krul ready for action after nearly six months on sidelines
By Craig Hope |
TIM Krul has made a return to full training after working his way back to fitness following two cartilage operations.
The 19-year-old has not played since his man of the match display during the 1-0 UEFA Cup win over Palermo in November, the teenage keeper making a string of magnificent saves to deny the Sicilians.
But a cartilage injury sustained during the warm-up before the Carling Cup tie at Watford has kept Krul sidelined for almost six months, and only now is he ready for a return to action after hours of rehabilitation work with United's medical and coaching staff.
The 19-year-old told nufc.co.uk: "I'm back in full training and feel good.
"The Reserve team game at Bolton on Tuesday maybe came a bit too soon, but hopefully I'll get a practice game under my belt soon."
Holland play host to this summer's Under-21 European Championships, and Krul is hoping to prove his fitness between now and then and win a place in the Dutch squad.
He added: "Holland Under-21s have three warm-up games in England in May and hopefully I will be involved.
"I would love to win a place in the squad for the tournament but we'll have to wait and see."
Nigel Pearson, James Milner and Steven Taylor will be part of the England set-up at the prestigious tournament, which kicks off in Heerenveen on June 10.