Newcastle vs Everton preview - Two Taylors impress Pardew

Posted Saturday, November 05, 2011 by PA

Alan Pardew has saluted the men behind Newcastle's blistering Taylor-made start to the season.

Defenders Steven and Ryan Taylor have proved key figures in the 10-game unbeaten run which has taken the Magpies into third place in the Barclays Premier League.

Victory over Everton in Saturday's early kick-off could take Pardew's side, briefly at least, above Manchester United into second, and 25 points from the first 33 on offer would represent a return exceeding the wildest dreams of most on Tyneside.

The contribution of the two Taylors has been immense with Steven in particular impressing to the extent that his club manager has repeatedly recommended him to England counterpart Fabio Capello.

As one of the few Geordies in the squad - the 25-year-old central defender was born in Greenwich, but raised in the shadow of St James' Park - Pardew believes he has a special affinity with the club.

He said: "Steven definitely has a feeling for the club above other players, without a shadow of a doubt.

"Little things he says and does - he knows.

"He's been here through some of the good years, so he knows that this is a big, big club and if we can get a competitive team, then the fans can carry us to who knows where."

The former England Under-21s skipper's partnership with captain Fabricio Coloccini has been one of the features of Newcastle's fine start.

However, namesake Ryan's role has been no less significant, if slightly more unexpected.

The 27-year-old arrived at St James' in February 2009 as a right-sided utility man, but was pitched into the unaccustomed territory of left-back in the wake of Jose Enrique's departure for Liverpool when James Perch suffered an injury on the eve on the opener against Arsenal.

After a shaky start, the former Wigan man has grown into the position to such an extent that he has played every minute of the league campaign to date, and his winning goal at Sunderland on August 20 earned him a special place in the hearts of the Toon Army.

Pardew said: "I'm absolutely delighted with him. He has got a real confidence about him.

"The one thing we always knew is his technique is top, top quality. He has just fitted in and seems more comfortable at left-back than he does anywhere else."

Midfielder Danny Guthrie too has benefited from that policy having replaced the injured Cheik Tiote in the last two games and made light of the Ivory Coast international's absence.

Pardew will make a late decision on Tiote, but has already ruled out Frenchman Gabriel Obertan with an infection.

His place on the right wing is likely to be taken by Sylvain Marveaux as the depth of a squad which is still small by Premier League standards is tested for the first time in earnest.

Everton manager David Moyes is confident young midfielder Jack Rodwell is up to the challenge posed by a potential senior England call-up but wants the player to be selected on merit.

The 20-year-old has been tipped as one of a number of new faces Fabio Capello will select in his squad for forthcoming friendlies against Spain and Sweden.

Moyes suspects Rodwell, who has 20 caps and two goals for the Under-21s, may be drafted in to cover for the absence of other players after this weekend's round of Barclays Premier League matches.

And he would prefer the midfielder, who has started eight of nine league matches this season, to be earn his place outright.

"I think a senior call-up can come too early. You want it to be merited for the right reasons," said the Toffees boss.

"You want him to go into the team. If he played he wouldn't let anyone down because in international football he has some very good qualities.

"Jack has done well. He has improved over the recent weeks and I think because of that he's getting close (to the full England team).

"He is obviously going to be mentioned. He has played well in the games.

"I don't know how many call-offs England might have this weekend - I wouldn't be surprised to see a lot - but that might bring Jack forward if that is the case."

Of more concern to Moyes at present is Rodwell's form for the club after just one win in their last five matches.

That run of fixtures included games against Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Moyes believes his side have played well in their last two matches but with the club 16th in the table he knows now is the time to start picking up points.

They face another difficult task on Saturday.

"It was always going to be a difficult group of matches," added the Scot.