HE might have cut a frustrated figure for most of the last two months, but Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul concedes his recent injury absence provided a much-needed opportunity to recharge his batteries.

Krul was sidelined for six weeks after damaging his ankle in late November, but having returned to action in last weekend’s 2-0 defeat at Chelsea, will retain his place in the Magpies side for this evening’s home game with Southampton.

His participation in last summer’s World Cup, where he played a crucial role in a penalty shoot-out win over Costa Rica that helped Holland reach the semi-finals, meant he had been playing without much of a break for the best part of two years.

So while he admits it was frustrating to have to watch Newcastle struggle with third-choice keeper Jak Alnwick between the sticks, he has returned to the fray feeling refreshed and re-energised.

“Because of the World Cup I hadn’t really had a break for the best part of two years,” said Krul. “You never want to be injured but it was nice to step away, be with the family and get a bit of a different perspective on things.

“It made me appreciate how much I enjoy all of this, and allowed me to make sure my body was fine. I was able to recover properly, and I feel really ready to rumble now for the second half of the season.

“I’ve recharged my batteries again. It’s not nice to be injured, but it’s a nice feeling to have been reminded how much I miss it. My batteries are recharged for the second half of the season and I’m just looking forward to the next 17 games now.”

Krul’s absence gave Rob Elliot a chance to step into the starting line-up, but the number two was sidelined himself after damaging his shoulder in December’s 2-1 win over Chelsea.

Alnwick was promoted in the duo’s absence, and while the 21-year-old made some sensational saves after coming off the bench against Jose Mourinho’s league leaders, he struggled in a number of games, most notably the Capital One Cup defeat at Tottenham.

Krul feels it would be unfair to be too harsh on Alnwick, who is unlikely to be offered a new deal when his current Newcastle contract expires in the summer, and is confident the youngster will improve for the experiences of the last month.

“Jak stepped in and had some really difficult games to deal with,” he said. “In my opinion, he did well. He’s obviously a young goalkeeper and the experience will be massive for him.

“But from my point of view I missed a lot of football and some massive games, and it was hugely frustrating because I’m not a good spectator at all.

“There were a lot of games over the Christmas period and it wasn’t enjoyable to watch them, but it happens. Unfortunately, injuries happen, and for me, it’s just unfortunate it happened at the busiest period of the year.”