Steven Taylor feels Newcastle's encouraging start to the season is proof they can compete in the Premier League.
Toon's homegrown defender not fazed by departures from club
Steven Taylor believes Newcastle's encouraging start to the season is proof they can still compete in the Premier League.
The Magpies have faced a destabilising period over the summer which has seen the sales of former club captain Kevin Nolan and Jose Enrique.
Joey Barton has also been placed on the transfer list following his criticism of the club via social networking site Twitter, and Danny Simpson is also being linked with a move away from St James' Park.
Yet, Alan Pardew has managed to galvanise the players at his disposal to a draw against Arsenal and a morale-boosting win over arch rivals Sunderland in their opening two games.
It is these results that have imbued former England Under-21 international Taylor with a sense of belief about the unfolding term.
"Hopefully the first two games have sent out a bit of a statement, but we're not going to get ahead of ourselves," Taylor told the
Daily Express.
"Sunderland was a massive game for us and it's great to have got the right result. But there are plenty of other big games to come."
Confident
Taylor, though, is confident that there is still enough quality within the squad for the supporters not to be too downcast.
"I have a great understanding with Colo," he enthused about his defensive partner and captain Fabricio Coloccini.
"He's a fantastic guy to play with and I think we complement each other well. With the two of us and people like Cheick Tiote, Joey Barton and Yohan Cabaye, that's a really strong core.
"Then Tim Krul in goal has done well in both games. He is just a young lad, but seems to have really grown in stature."
