Taylor glad to be back

Taylor: Trimmed down

Steven Taylor believes he has found the solution to his injury problems and is looking forward to trying to win silverware with Newcastle.

"I feel better for it and I have gone from extra large shirts to just large."
Steven Taylor Quotes of the week

The Magpies defender has had trouble with his shoulder over the past couple of seasons but he returned to action as a substitute against Bolton at the weekend.

Taylor now hopes to stay fit after learning to adapt his training methods so that he does not spend so much time lifting weights.

"The gaffer said concentrate on being leaner and more of an athlete and not to be a bodybuilder," he said in the Daily Express.

"I had trained a lot on my shoulder and I put a lot of bulk on. I was trying to get back, but I was overloading my body, doing weights three times a week.

"You can over-train as much as under-train.

"I don't need to work on weights. I needed to go back to what got me into the first team in the first place.

"I feel better for it and I have gone from extra large shirts to just large."

Enjoy

Taylor looked set to leave St James' Park after being placed on the transfer list earlier in the season, before signing a new long-term contract over the festive period.

He credits new manager Alan Pardew for helping him to come through a difficult period and is now excited about playing his part in what he hopes will be a bright future for the club.

"Everything changed when the gaffer came in. It was six months of hell for me, but (managing director) Derek Llambias sorted out my new deal and it was the best Christmas present I've ever had," said Taylor

"I was dead and buried before the gaffer came in. I could not see myself signing a new contract but straight away he said 'I want you to sign'.

"I can now relax and enjoy my football. It is my club, I have been here since I was nine and I want to stay and win things at Newcastle."

Taylor added: "The boss deserves at least a clean slate, but some people wrote him off from day one.

"We have ground out some great results under the gaffer, without him getting any real credit."

England backing

Two of the other men that will play a key role in Newcastle's future are Joey Barton and Kevin Nolan, who have been in fine form this season.

Taylor is staggered that both midfielders continue to be overlooked at international level and has called on England manager Fabio Capello to cast his gaze in their direction.

"I cannot believe Joey didn't get a call for the last England friendly game. He is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League," said Taylor

"What has happened to him in the past is in the past. As a player, he is playing brilliantly.

"As for Kevin, he has scored 11 goals from midfield and he still hasn't had a call-up.

"When Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard were injured I thought, why not?

"Why not give a chance to someone who has performed so well?"