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McClaren: 'Tim's Injury A Krul Blow'
Written by Newcastle Utd
Steve McClaren has spoken to nufc.co.uk about losing Tim Krul to injury, and the Dutchman's replacement, Rob Elliot
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Steve McClaren admits Tim Krul's season-ending injury is a "bitter blow" for both club and player, but has backed Newcastle United's number one to make a complete recovery.
Krul ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament while representing Holland against Kazakhstan on Saturday night and has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2015/16 campaign.
But McClaren is convinced his first-choice goalkeeper has the strength of character to deal with such a set-back, and explained that the Magpies will provide Krul with all the help and support he needs.
"It's a bitter blow for Tim and for us," the head coach told nufc.co.uk.
"I spoke to him on the morning of the game, he wasn't playing and - selfishly - I thought that was good, because then he would be fit for us. Then I got the news, the severity of the injury and how he did it, and it's a massive blow.
"Tim is a big part of us - he's a big player, a leader in the dressing room, and his goal was to establish himself in the Dutch side going forward.
"We will miss him for the rest of the season, and he loses seven or eight months of his career.
"It's going to be a very difficult time for him but Tim is strong, single-minded and he will come back from this injury.
"I've seen plenty of players go through this and come back just as strong, so we have no worries or concerns about what Tim will go through. The treatment and rehab he will get from us will be first class."
With Krul joining fellow stopper Karl Darlow on the treatment table, it means Rob Elliot will almost certainly be in between the sticks when Norwich City come to St. James' Park on Sunday (4pm kick-off).
And McClaren has no qualms in fielding the Republic of Ireland international, who has made 27 appearances for the Magpies since arriving from Charlton Athletic in August 2011.
"I've been impressed by Rob from day one when I came into the Club," continued the boss.
"He's very vocal in the dressing room, is a senior player with good experience and is not afraid to say things. That is vital, and this situation gives Rob an opportunity to show what he can do."