Newcastle boss Steve McClaren reckons Tim Krul's injury will cost his side 20 points

Tim Krul has been ruled out for rest of the season after rupturing cruciate knee ligaments

STEVE McClaren says Tim Krul's long-term injury will cost Newcastle almost 20 points this season.

 

Krul has been ruled out for the rest of the season after rupturing cruciate knee ligaments while on international duty for Holland.

Newcastle are already bottom of the league, without a win from eight games - the club's worst start since 1898 - and Krul's injury is a disaster for them. "It's a massive blow for us," said McClaren. "You are talking about one of the best players in our team.

 

Newcastle boss Steve McClaren reckons Krul's injury will cost his side 20 points

"He's a vital player, very important and he'd get us 18 or 20 points a season the way he plays. To lose that is devastating."

Rob Elliot will start in goal at home to Norwich on Sunday with teenager Freddie Woodman, recalled from a loan spell at Crawley, on the bench.

 

Rob Elliott will start in goal for the Magpies against Norwich on Sunday

"When we heard about his injury, people who have worked here for many years were saying, "For some reason, it's always Newcastle'," said McClaren.

"Here it just seems to be one disaster after another but you have to get on with it."

And he believes he will be allowed to get on with it and will not be sacked - yet. "Outside of what people know, we're planning together and realise the next transfer window is huge for us," said McClaren.

"In the end, the loyalty they showed Alan Pardew was rewarded and I have the belief that is exactly the same with me as long as we continue making progress which I believe we are and they believe we are."