NEWCASTLE UNITED goalkeeper Tim Krul is delighted to be on the comeback trail after making his first appearance for more than a year on Monday night.

Krul, who joined Ajax on a season-long loan in the summer, has been sidelined for 13 months since damaging his cruciate ligaments in October 2015.

He made his comeback at the start of the week though, helping Ajax’s reserves side claim a 2-2 draw with Utrecht II.

He is determined to take things slowly after such a long absence, but is delighted to be finally able to focus on football again after months of solitary fitness work in the gym.

“It really sucks,” said Krul. “I have deep respect for guys like Kevin Strootman, who had more than one cruciate ligament injury.

“Mentally, you’ve got to be hard, but fortunately it seems there is light at the end of the tunnel. I am glad I played 90 minutes after all this time.”