Source: PA
Pardew urges local pair to stay
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has told local boys Andy Carroll and Steven Taylor they can achieve their ambitions on Tyneside.
Pardew has spent his first fortnight on Tyneside having to deal with speculation that Carroll could be a target for the Barclays Premier League's big boys, while Taylor will be able to talk to potential purchasers next month if he does not agree a new contract.
In addition, the 49-year-old has been forced to warn clubs that midfielder Joey Barton will not be available at a knock-down price in January.
Pardew has been encouraged by what he has heard from both Carroll and Taylor in particular since his arrival at St James' Park, and is confident the Gateshead-born striker and his Tyneside-raised team-mate can thrive on familiar territory.
He said: "Andy seems to be a very level-headed guy and from what I have seen of him, he has adhered himself to the place here. This is his town and he is playing for a big city club. He also understands that whatever he wants to achieve in the game and the ambitions he has, he could achieve here.
"He has already got an England cap and if we progress as a team, then maybe those international caps will increase. He's a young player who potentially could be a really great player."
