After joining Newcastle as a teenager in 2006, Krul spent spells on loan with Falkirk and Carlisle as he got used to life away from his native Holland.

However, although the departure of Shay Given to Manchester City in 2009 briefly elevated Steve Harper to the number one slot, Krul quickly assumed the position and has never looked back.

He produced arguably the best performance of all at Old Trafford yesterday.

Krul denied Manchester United with a succession of splendid saves, turning away a goalbound Ryan Giggs effort in the first half, then repelling Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra in the latter stages of the 1-1 draw.

And, whilst he accepts following in Given's footsteps will not be easy, Pardew is confident Krul has what it takes to get there if the 23-year-old maintains his present rate of progress.

"Potentially, it is fair to say he could do that," said Pardew.

"But he has a long way to go. Shay Given was at the top of the tree for Newcastle for many years.

"Tim has a great future in front of him if he keeps his feet on the floor, works on his game. Who knows what he can achieve?"