The keeper conundrum.

Going back a few weeks now, but I thought that the goalkeeper situation for next season would be pretty much sorted out by now.

Amazingly it isn't, and I would argue that now the competition is hotter than ever when it comes to who is going to get the nod to be our number one next season with Tim Krul, Steve Harper and Fraser Forster all putting forward a strong case to be the main man in goal for Newcastle next season.

Tim Krul has had a fair few games in goal for us this season whilst covering for the injured Steve Harper. In the first spell I wasn't entirely sold on him if I'm being honest. He made some good saves but he also looked unsure when it comes to dominating his penalty area. His kicking, well that was just another flaw in his game and I was slightly relieved when Harper regained his fitness and took his place back in goal.

However, and I understand it's only two games thus far, but this time round Krul looks completely different. He pulled off some fantastic saves against Manchester United during the week, which is fine and is something he is capable of, but yesterday is the game that made me think twice about him. The way he rushed out of his box at times had an air of authority about it and he judged everything spot on. Even his kicking was vastly improved.

Then you add in Fraser Forster, who has had a solid season in the SPL with Celtic. He will be back on Tyneside over the summer and will be involved in a three-way battle for the number one spot. From what I've seen of him he seems to be a good shot-stopper and can command his box with authority. Perhaps he could show he is worthy of the number one spot next season?

Then there is Steve Harper. Granted he is getting on a bit, but you know what you are going to get with him. He'll be a good, solid 'keeper that can be relied upon. The problem is his age. Being polite, he isn't going to be around forever so perhaps we need to look at trying a new guy out now whilst we still have Harper that we can call upon?

You see it's far from cut and dry who will be number one next season and there will need to be some tough decisions made. My feelings at the minute are that Tim Krul is edging ahead, but that could all change. It really is too close to call so it will be interesting to see what happens and who, eventually, ends up getting the nod.

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