Newcastle United keeper Tim Krul has admitted that he's pleased he was able to make an important contribution in his side's win over Metalist Kharkiv.

The Magpies advanced to the last 16 of the Europa League as Shola Ameobi scored the only goal of the game from the spot, while the Dutchman kept the home side at bay with some impressive saves.

Krul told the club's official website: "It's nice to be important and to make a contribution to the team.I think we showed some of the qualities that we did last season with everybody working for each other.

"Everybody had to put a lot of hard graft in. We showed a lot of spirit towards the end but it's worth it, definitely."

Newcastle are next in action in the Premier League when they face Southampton on Sunday.