'You almost want a blip' - Tim Krul gives his thoughts on Newcastle's goalkeeper battle

Tim Krul has expressed sympathy for Aaron Ramsdale in his battle to become Newcastle United’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Ramsdale arrived at St. James’ Park on loan from relegated Southampton over the summer after the Magpies had missed out on the signing of James Trafford - who instead swapped Burnley for Manchester City.

However, his only appearances over the opening months of the campaign came in the EFL Cup against Bradford City and Tottenham - making six saves in a 2-0 win in the latter - alongside a 13-minute Premier League cameo from the bench against Brentford before the last international break, in which he conceded two goals.

Ramsdale has come into the side for the last four games due to an injury to Pope, with the 27-year-old putting in mixed performances but, nevertheless, helping the Magpies remain unbeaten - winning against Everton and Burnley and drawing against Tottenham and Bayer Leverkusen.

Aaron Ramsdale receives Tim Krul backing

Newcastle have the small matter of the Wear-Tyne derby away at Sunderland on Sunday, and although Eddie Howe has suggested Pope has an outside chance of returning, Ramsdale is more likely to take to the field.

Whether Ramsdale can retain his place or immediately returns to the bench when Pope is fully fit remains to be seen.

Either way, Krul - who played for Newcastle between 2006 and 2016 but often had to watch on from the bench throughout his career - has sympathy for Ramsdale’s plight and has backed the five-time England international to prove his worth at the Stadium of Light this weekend.

"The Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope situation is an interesting one, because I can see both sides of it, having been in both positions," said former Netherlands international Krul.

"I personally liked the trust of the manager, and knowing I was his No. 1 – that’s just me as a person, though. I can understand where the club is at, at this moment in time though, because there’s competition for places all across the pitch.

"And when Pope gets injured, you need a top goalkeeper to come in and cover for him, and that’s what Newcastle have got in Ramsdale. He’s a proven name at this level, he was amazing at Arsenal and had a difficult time at Southampton.

"It's hard when you’re sat on the bench watching the team going through a good spell; obviously you’re happy for the team as a whole, but you almost want a bit of a blip in there too, because that’s how you get your opportunity.

"It’s such a weird dynamic when you’re sitting there wanting your team to do well, but not too well… ideally you want them to win 5-4 every weekend with four mistakes from your goalkeeper.

"That’s the situation when you’re a No. 2, but now Ramsdale has got a great opportunity to prove himself again. You know, a lot of people wanted him in and he didn’t get off to a great start at the weekend, but the team still won, and I’m sure he’ll show his worth in the next few weeks over a busy schedule."

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