"Knackered" Newcastle Players Need To Be Rested Against Cobblers, Insists Tim Krul

Tim Krul has urged Steve McClaren to rest some of Newcastle United's first-team players against Northampton Town - because they are "absolutely knackered" following their hard-fought goalless draw at Old Trafford. The Magpies put in a brilliant defensive performance to secure a point from their visit to face Manchester United on Saturday in the Barclays Premier League, their third fixture of the season already. Next up for McClaren's men is Northampton at home in the Capital One Cup Second Round on Tuesday evening (7.45pm kick-off), and goalkeeper Krul believes some of those players who started the Man Utd game should be left on the sidelines in preparation for Arsenal on Saturday.

Quoted on ESPN.co.uk, Krul said:

"You just have to manage it right (in terms of who plays against Northampton) because the way the boys put the effort in (at Old Trafford), it takes a lot out of you. "You just have to manage it right because if we want to do the same on Saturday (against Arsenal) - and I think the manager will know - a few of the boys in there are absolutely knackered. "And that is what it is all about. But we definitely are pushing for a good cup run, yes."

Following Krul's comments, it will be interesting to see how many of the players who stared the Old Trafford draw will feature against The Cobblers on Tuesday. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCulture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.