Taylor targets derby delight

Taylor: Derby promise

Newcastle defender Steven Taylor has set his sights on a derby goal against Sunderland on Sunday.

The Tyne-Wear showdown, which is being shown live on Sky Sports 1, will see the Magpies look to extend their five-game unbeaten run which has all-but secured their Premier League status.

Roy Keane's Black Cats still have some work to do to ensure they remain in the top-flight for another campaign, and Taylor is keen to prolong their anxious end to the season.

The popular centre-back has found the net just once this season, in the 1-1 home draw with Arsenal in December, and is keen to double his tally in the game which matters most to the fans.

Promised

Taylor told Newcastle World TV: "I've promised I'm going to score again this season and it's definitely going to happen on Sunday.

"I went close to scoring against Portsmouth and I've had a couple of chances recently which have been saved.

"I'd love to score on Sunday but the most important thing is the three points."

Taylor has been impressed with how the St James' Park faithful have stayed behind the team and manager Kevin Keegan during a difficult start to his reign, and is keen to repay them with three points against their bitter rivals.

Present

He added: "The fans deserve a little present from us, definitely.

"We need to send them home happy, it'll be a lift for the city as well. They've been very frustrated this season, because it's been difficult, but they've stood behind us throughout.

"They've never shut up when it comes to their support, they've been absolutely brilliant. A win against Sunderland would just top that off."