Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul has defended Aston Villa counterpart Shay Given over his poor start to the season.

The two keepers go head-to-head today but Dutch international Krul is sure the Irishman will recover from recent adversity.

Krul said: "You don't have to worry about Shay. He's a fantastic goalkeeper and he'll bounce back from that.

"Hopefully he doesn't have a blinder like he did when he came here last year. It was his first appearance here since he left and he was great against us. But it will be nice to see him again.

"Shay is incredible. He's been a legend for this club. He's been around many, many years in the Premier League.

"He's got a few more years left yet at Villa. He's got a long-term contract there. I know Shay and he'll keep playing until he really can't play any more. He'll be around for a while yet. I owe him a lot from our time together at Newcastle."