Newcastle keeper Tim Krul aiming to become Dutch number one

Newcastle keeper Tim Krul returned from Holland's disastrous Euro 2012 campaign hungry to make his mark on the international stage.

The 24-year-old sat helplessly on the bench as his country slipped out of the finals having lost all three of their group games.

But he is confident the experience of going to the tournament will prove invaluable as he attempts to step up his efforts to nudge ahead of number one Maarten Stekelenburg in the Dutch pecking order.

He told the Magpies' official website, http://www.nufc.co.uk: "It was an experience for me and one that will stand me in good stead.

"I was involved at a major tournament, I've got to remember that, and it was great to be a part of it. It's just a shame that it turned out to be such a difficult tournament for Holland.

"Losing three times in a row is not what the Dutch national team do, so from that point of view, it was a big shame. But for me, it was a great experience overall.

"Being there made me realise that's where I want to be. I want to be the number one for my country and play in tournaments like that every two years.

"It was exciting to be there to see what it's like, and it gave me a real taste for it.

"It's given me a real push to perform well for Newcastle and make it where I want to be for the national team."

Krul, who has three senior caps to his name, established himself as Newcastle's number one last season, prompting the club to hand him a new five-year contract as his form alerted potential suitors.

He returned for pre-season training yesterday after an extended break following the Euros and joined up with his club-mates in Germany.

PA