McClaren Set To 'Cap' Toon Youngster

Last updated : 11 July 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
The Toon defender impressed for the Under 21s in the recent European Championship in Holland, and having already picked up an England 'B' cap at Turf Moor in the match against Albania, his progression is almost complete.

McClaren: "Steven Taylor is a player I have been watching for some time now and I will be watching again to see how he progresses next season.

"He has been an important member of the England Under 21 setup for some time now and he was an outstanding captain when Nigel Reo-Coker went off.

"Steven Taylor displays the sort of spirit I want from all the England sides - from the Under 15s right through to the senior squad. And if he maintains the sort of form he has shown lately then he should be knocking on the door of the full England team."

Taylor's chances have improved with Liverpool's Jamie Carragher considering retirement from the international scene.