Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul is bracing himself for a tough test against Stoke City on Sunday.
Magpies keeper wary of Stoke's direct style of play
Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul is bracing himself for a tough test against Stoke City on Sunday.
Krul is set for his first Premier League start of the season following an injury to first-choice shot-stopper Steve Harper.
And the Dutchman is wary of the Potters, who are renowned for their direct style of play, in particular Rory Delap's long throw-ins.
Krul said: "You have to prepare for everything. Our goalkeeping coach Paul Barron said to me this morning, 'Don't just focus on the throw-ins, it is going to come from everywhere'.
"And every ball is a single ball. Say if you catch nine throw-ins, the 10th is a different ball again, so you just have to stay focused for 90 minutes.
"Am I hard enough to look after myself? Yeah, I have been to the gym. Everyone knows English football.
"It is always kick and rush, they say, but I have to be ready for the knocks and I have to give some to them as well.
"I am lucky we have Andy Carroll who is a great header of the ball and he will be there to help me. I will just have to be prepared for what Stoke throw at me. Everyone knows Stoke's qualities but we just have to concentrate on ours as well."
