Former Liverpool and Manchester City goalkeeper David James believes that Tim Krul's absence will result in relegation for Newcastle United.

The Dutch goalkeeper has been ruled out of the season after rupturing his cruciate knee ligaments on international duty for Holland.

James said: "If you looked at Tim Krul as the reason Newcastle haven't gone down (in recent seasons) then the answer would lean towards 'yes'.

He also believes that Newcastle manager Steve McClaren is a better coach than a manager.

He added: "I think with Steve McClaren, from experience with England, he was one of the best coaches I've ever worked with, he was just so good. It made sense how Manchester United were so good from his time there.

"He went away, was a manager for a few years [at Middlesbrough], came back [as England boss] in 2006, and was very different.

"I've not been at Newcastle but the side of him as a manager isn't as strong as him as a coach.

"If he was to be a coach, more so than manager, he is more than capable of getting Newcastle out of that position and doing well and then the necessity of the goalkeeper being top drawer is lessened because the team are performing much better."