Tim Krul is ready to face his old club – after signing a one-year deal for Albion.

The Dutch international is eligible to face Newcastle on Sunday after his initial one-year loan was converted.

Krul proved his form and fitness with a 120-minute work-out in the Carabao Cup defeat to Bournemouth on Tuesday.

He can compete for a place with current No.1 Maty Ryan for the visit of in-form Toon.

Krul told The Argus: “My focus has been getting ready for the Bournemouth game.

“I’m pleased I got 120 minutes in and now I’m excited about the challenge ahead.

“I think we have got a really great squad at Brighton, great team spirit and that is what we are going to need.”

Krul arrived from the North East on deadline day three weeks ago.

He said: “It has been really easy to settle. The boys have been great.

“The club have really helped me straight away. I found a house and a nursery for my little one so it is all up and running.

“I’m really enjoying the new, fresh challenge.”

Krul, 29, made 157 league starts for Newcastle, the last of them almost two years ago.

But he spent last season on loan at AZ Alkmaar after Toon boss Rafa Benitez made it clear he was not part of his plans.

Ryan underlined his status as Albion’s current No.1 with a pair of fine saves in the 3-1 win over West Brom last time out at the Amex.

But Krul’s case is strengthened by getting two hours of action under his belt at the Vitality Stadium in a display which boss Chris Hughton described as “very assured”.

Hughton said: “You want to have decisions to make.

“Tim is aware that, when he came here, he was physically behind the other keepers because he had played one game in pre-season behind closed doors.”