Source: Northern_Echo
Taylor’s injury fears ease with target in sight
NEWCASTLE UNITED defender Steven Taylor has admitted to fears that his injured knee would prevent him from playing again this season.[LNB] Taylor has been sidelined since the 2-2 draw with West Brom at St James' Park in January when a tough challenge from Roman Bednar looked to have brought his season to a premature end.[LNB] The prospect of holding aloft the Championship trophy sustained his spirits during a frustrating period on the treatment table.[LNB] Following extensive rehabilitation work Taylor is champing at the bit to join the promotion push.[LNB] I have a strength coach I work with every day, Michael Pellegrino, who has given me the belief I will be back this season. I actually wrote my season off when I did my injury, but he has given me the confidence I can return before the end of the season. That is the biggest plus for me, he revealed.[LNB] All I want to do is lift that cup and get that medal round my neck. I do not want to come second. I have always said I want to win something with Newcastle, and this is the best way to do it.[LNB] We have had injuries, but the players have done so well.[LNB] We are getting the results we need, and if we can stay at the top of the league I will be happy.[LNB] I am always around the dressing room, and texting them before away games wishing them all the best.'' He added: It means so much to me and Newcastle to get back up to the Premier League. We cannot afford to stay in the Championship for another year.[LNB] We are getting the wins we need now, and long may that continue. We just have to make sure we grind out results away from home. Middlesbrough will be a tough game, but we have taken a lot of belief and confidence from the last game.[LNB] Taylor was this week named Sport Newcastle's Sport Personality of the Year, an award previously held by Jonny Wilkinson, Alan Shearer and Steve Harmison.[LNB] And while Taylor eyes success, one of Newcastle's nearest title rivals are showing signs of throwing in the towel.[LNB] West Brom boss Roberto Di Matteo suggested that Chris Hughton's side are in an almost unassailable position and reckons the three-way tussle for an automatic promotion slot may revert to a battle for second place.[LNB] I have been saying for a while now that it is probably going to go down to the last few games.[LNB] But I think this month will probably be decisive in terms of Newcastle pulling away or not,'' noted Di Matteo whose team have are unbeaten in their three encounters with Newcastle this season. If you look at their squad they have a gear more than anyone else.''[LNB]
