Taylor set to take Toon chance

Dec 23 2007 by Neil Farrington, Sunday Sun

STEVEN TAYLOR is intent on using the African Nations Cup to cement his place in Sam Allardyce’s Newcastle side.

The United boss faces losing first-choice defenders Habib Beye and Abdoulaye Faye among others for six weeks or more in January and early February.

And England Under-21 defender Taylor is hellbent on proving himself irreplaceable in their absence.

“There has been a lot of chopping and changing this season and I have found myself in and out of the side,” said Taylor, who admits his contract situation remains unresolved.

“But we will be down to the bare bones next month and that will give me a chance to stake a claim for a regular place in the back four.”

On the possibility of a new contract, he added: “I’ve heard nothing more. But it is just a case of getting my head down in the next few months and hoping that things work out.

“I love playing for Newcastle United and pulling on the black and white shirt and want to stay here.”

Meanwhile, Taylor wants his England Under-21 boss Stuart Pearce to reject any offer to join new national coach Fabio Capello’s senior set-up.

Capello is under pressure to add an Englishman to his currently all-Italian backroom staff, and Pearce’s success with the under-21 side makes him a prime candidate.

But Taylor, set to return to the United defence today after injury, fears Pearce’s departure could ruin England’s hopes of becoming European Under-21 champions in 2009.

“It would be a real blow for everyone connected with the England Under-21 set-up if Stuart joined the senior side,” said Taylor.

“It would be a big chance for him and I can appreciate why he would want to work with Capello. But from a purely selfish perspective I hope he stays with the Under-21s and tries to win the European title.”