Danny Simpson (left) and Tim Krul embrace after keeping a clean sheet in Sunday's 1-0 win at Arsenal

Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul has credited his recent good form to the performances of his defensive colleagues at St James' Park.

The Magpies have won their last three Premier League games with a regular back-four unit, while Krul has conceded just twice in that time.

"If you've got confident players in front of you it's a great feeling," Krul told BBC Newcastle.

"It's a great base and hopefully we can build on that."

Danny Simpson's return to the side alongside Mike Williamson, Fabricio Coloccini and Jose Enrique has been key to a run of form which has seen the club climb to fifth in the Premier League.

Meanwhile Sunday's impressive 1-0 win at Arsenal was a relief for the 22-year-old Dutchman, who was in goal for Newcastle's 4-0 Carling Cup drubbing at the hands of Arsenal on 27 October.

"We always knew the league was the main priority," Krul said.

"Of course getting beaten 4-0 at home wasn't the best thing, but I think we fought back with three wins on the trot, and now onto Blackburn on Wednesday.

"We've got our targets and hopefully we can keep rising above them, we have to keep our heads clear and have to focus."

Krul, who was handed his opportunity this season by the absence of Steve Harper with a shoulder injury, joined Newcastle in 2005 from Dutch side Den Haag.

Since that time he has made 19 appearances for Newcastle, and has also enjoyed loan spells with Falkirk and Carlisle.

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