Middlesbrough's McMahon An Inspiration For Taylor

By Matthew Jones
December 8 2004

Stephen Taylor, who made the breakthrough from the Newcastle United Academy, is inspired by the form of fellow North-East youngster, Tony McMahon - who plays for local rivals, Middlesbrough.

Speaking on McMahon, Taylor said:

"I came through the FA ranks with Tony and I've played for England alongside him several times. He's done very well this season.

"I look at what he's done for Middlesbrough and there's no reason why I can't do the same for Newcastle.

"I've been with United since the age of nine and now all I want to do is fulfil my potential in a black-and-white shirt and stay in the first team for as long as possible. It means a lot to me, as a Newcastle fan, to play for the club but I never expected things to be easy.

"When I look at the average age of the squad it gives me an incentive.

"The number of young players is a positive thing - this group can still be together for years to come.

"In Jermaine Jenas we have a 21-year-old captaining one of the biggest clubs in the Premiership and he's proved himself as an excellent leader.

"In five or six years most of the Newcastle first team will still be young enough and fit enough to play in the Premiership. I want to be there too."