Krul wants top-six finish

Tim Krul: Newcastle goalkeeper wants to secure a top-six finish

Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul has challenged his team-mates to carry on their momentum and claim a top-six finish.

The Toon Army rose to fifth in the table after they claimed a win against Blackburn at Ewood Park on Wednesday evening.

Newcastle have enjoyed a terrific start to the season and have surprised most observers with the with the progress they have made, despite losing several big name players last summer.

However, their young 'keeper, who was instrumental in helping them beat Blackburn as he saved David Dunn's penalty, wants to claim European football this term.

Fantastic

"We really want to push on for the second half of the season because we are up there and the chance is there," said Krul.

"We really have to push on. I don't think we should rest on our laurels, we just have to really crack on now.

"We have got a fantastic squad and if we can prove we are a top-six team at the end of the season, that will attract more players to the club and then we can really push on."

Papiss Demba Cisse is poised to make his debut for the club against Aston Villa on Sunday having returned from the Africa Cup of Nations after he was signed by Freiburg.

Amazing

He will be paired with his countryman Demba Ba but manager Alan Pardew is still without Cheick Tiote as Ivory Coast are still in the competition.

"Demba has been amazing, and to get his mate with him, that's a bonus and I am looking forward to seeing them both back," he added.

"Hopefully Cheick won't be too much longer because he is a fantastic player for us as well."