Source: FOOTYMAD
Taylor Hopes To Change Pardew's Mind
Alan Pardew came out with a bizarre statement on Sunday: "I thought Ryan Taylor played well against Arsenal, but I hope he doesn't play against Sunderland." His words were not 'twisted', he actually said that, and added: "I hope to sign a left-back this week and I hope Ryan isn't involved". On the other hand ... Taylor is desperate to make his derby debut for Newcastle United – two and a half years into his St James’s Park career. The 26-year-old is hoping to change Pardew's mind and get the nod to face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday. Ryan Taylor: “I’ve never played in a derby before, and it would be fantastic to be involved. “If I get the shirt, I’ll wear it with pride. “I have always been injured or suspended for derbies. I’ve missed three, so I don’t want to miss more. I watched the 5-1 win, and what a great day that was. “We’re going to go to Sunderland and try to get the win – not just for us, but for the fans. It’s bragging rights. “We have to go there with a positive attitude. Hopefully, we can get the win.” “I only found out late in the day I was going to play against Arsenal. I knew it was either Perchy or me, and he was struggling so I got the nod. “I did some homework on Gervinho, and the more I went on, the more confidence I got. “I’ve said before throughout my career that if I get given a shirt, I’ll always give 100 per cent. “It doesn’t matter if it’s left-back, right wing or right-back – I don’t really care. “The versatile tag that I have lingering over my head is what I will have to put up with. “To play left-back was a little bit awkward in the first half ,but as the game went on I got more comfortable. “I will learn from it, I am just happy we kept a clean sheet. “It sets us up for Sunderland and we can go there full of confidence.”
