Steven Taylor loving life at Newcastle

DELIGHT: Steven Taylor and Jack Colback.

The long-serving defender started the season on the bench.

But he returned to the side after Mike Williamson suffered an injury.

And Taylor has helped Newcastle win its first two Premier League games of the season in his 250th and 251st appearances for the club.

Goals from Ayoze Perez and Sammy Ameobi saw United come from behind at White Hart Lane on Sunday to beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 – and climb out of the Premier League’s relegation zone.

Taylor and his team-mates are now focused on tomorrow night’s Capital One Cup tie away to holders Manchester City.

“I’m just delighted for the lads – it’s been a good team effort,” said Taylor.

“The main thing for us was getting that belief and confidence, and taking the game for them.

“Sammy coming on was a breath of fresh air. He caused them so many problems – we knew we had to exploit the full-backs.

“They maybe had one shot in the second half – we felt comfortable, which is unusual at White Hart Lane. We had to get on the front foot a bit more. We weren’t taking the game to them.

“They had too much time on the ball – they were spraying it around. We knew, with the players they’ve got, they’ll hurt you if you get time on the ball.

“For us, I thought it was a well-deserved three points.”

For his part, Taylor is just glad to have put a “horrible” two months on the bench behind him by making a contribution on the pitch.

“The one thing I’ve done is wait for my chance,” said Taylor. “When you’re not playing, it’s a horrible time. You’ve got to knuckle down, work hard and wait for your chance.

“When the manager gives you an opportunity, you’ve got to make sure you take it.

“I’m loving my football, and there’s nothing better than playing in front of 52,000 people. It’s where you want to be playing.”

Taylor, sent off on his last appearance at the City of Manchester Stadium, is hoping to start against Manuel Pellegrini’s side, beaten by West Ham United at the weekend.

“We’ll go there with confidence,” he said. “The fans want us to do well (in the cups).

“For us, we’ve got to take it one game at a time. We’re going to get on the training ground and look forward to the game.”