Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul believes that his side will have a better season in 2013-14 because they will not be participating in any European competitions.

The Magpies, who have appointed Joe Kinnear as the club's new director of football, had a hectic fixture schedule last season due to Europa League commitment.

"Being able to train for a full week will make a big difference," The Chronicle quotes Krul as saying.

"We will not have any Europa League games next season and that does have an impact on the training as well as the freshness of the first-team squad. Next season we will be right up there, I have no doubt about that."

Newcastle finished two places above the relegation zone in the Premier League last season.