Shay Given: 'Tim Krul behind Newcastle success'

Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given has praised the "fantastic" form of Newcastle stopper Tim Krul.

Krul, 23, has enjoyed a productive season to date, producing a series of impressive displays and keeping nine league clean sheets.

His form has seen him linked with a host of European sides, and Given reserved special words of praise for the young keeper.

"Tim is doing fantastic and I think that's one of the main reasons why they're flying so high in the league, because of Tim's form," Given told Sky Sports News.

"He's been fantastic in every game really and he's saving so many points this season."

Newcastle currently sit fifth in the Premier League table.