Newcastle United's John Carver has leapt to the defence of goalkeeper Tim Krul.

The Holland international was criticised by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher after he was seen smiling and joking with Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe at half-time of Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby at the Stadium of Light.

Defoe had moments earlier beaten Krul with a wonderful volley from range and Carragher felt it was out of line to act as he did but Carver believes the negative attention towards his gloveman is harsh.

"Let me tell you, if there's one guy in that dressing room who cares about this football club then it's Tim Krul," the Toon boss said on Sky Sports.

"Whenever we have any issues, whenever we're not happy with the performance, Tim's always the guy that steps forward and acts like a captain.

"Give me Tim Krul any day of the week because he is Newcastle United crazy. He's a top professional and if that sort of thing has gone on then it happens in the game.

"We get slaughtered when we're not sportsman. When you see a bit of skill then you have to accept it."