Taylor Waits For Big Test

Steven Taylor is in the 'final stages' of his recovery from a ruptured Achilles.

Steven Taylor: "Fitness-wise, I've just been maintaining my work rate and sticking to the programme that Newcastle's physios have set for me.

"I'm feeling good at the moment and I've just got to keep on going.

"In footballing terms, we're into added-on time with the injury now and I just have to keep going. It's sometimes like a 93rd minute run back from a corner, but you know you have to do it."

"Hopefully, come pre-season, I'm going to be a little bit ahead of the rest of the lads fitness-wise.

"I won't push myself too hard the first week back, but I will be like an excited kid in a sweet shop because I've missed playing so much."