I don't think anyone would doubt that Taylor is England class, his only problem is his injury-prone career.
And that obviously brings about comparisons with Steve Howey, who we (at NU-Mad) still believe ranks up there with the likes of Bobby Moncur, Frank Brennan and (in recent years) Jonathan Woodgate.
But Taylor, because of injury, rarely figures in more than half the fixtures in a league campaign, and that was Howey's downfall.
Howey only picked up four England caps, but he was worthy of far more, but he was constantly laid-up for half the season.
Steven Taylor: "I was lying in bed watching TV and my phone rang. I didn't recognise the number, so I didn't answer.
"I then got a text from [club secretary] Lee Charnley congratulating me - but I didn't know what he was congratulating me for!
"My phone went again and I answered it. I thought it was someone taking the mick - I thought one of the lads had got their missus to ring me.
"The support I have had from the gaffer has been fantastic. I have to thank him for his faith in me.
"I have known JC [Carver] since I was just nine and he has guided me through the club. Both have been major influences for me in that time."