Tim Talks About A "Massive" Month

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Goalkeeper Tim Krul believes January represents a "massive" month for Newcastle United, both on and off the pitch.

The Magpies kicked off 2013 with a narrow 2-1 home defeat against Everton but have Premier League fixtures against Norwich, Reading and Aston Villa to follow, after an FA Cup third round tie against Brighton.

And with the transfer window now open, and activity both in and out of St. James' Park expected to be concluded this week, Krul knows that January could shape United's season.

"It's a massive month," the Dutch international told nufc.co.uk.

"We have some huge games this month and if we keep performing like we have been then the three points will come, I'm sure of that.

"We also need some players in to boost us up and give that extra quality and competition for places. That is the most important thing.

"Everybody needs to shine now. We are in this together now and we are not just about one player.

"Everybody needs to step it up because we are in a fight down there and we have to work hard to get out of it."

Against Everton, Papiss Cisse gave Newcastle a dream start before the visitors hit back as Leighton Baines and Victor Anichebe scored to seal all three points.

And despite another encouraging performance the Magpies fell just short, leaving Krul to admit: "It's hard to take.

"They only had one chance in the second half and we had a few massive moments. We hit the post and made their keeper make a few saves but it just didn't fall for us.

"If Perchy's header went in then I think we would have been alright and gone on to get three points, but that is the story of our season at the moment - the breaks are not going for us.

"But we need to keep working hard, keep looking ahead and taking the positives, because we are playing well and in our next three league games we have teams around us, so hopefully we can pick up points."