Alan Pardew: “I thought he was outstanding against Birmingham.
“If I was marking him I’d give him an eight out of ten.
“I liked his assurance and focus.
“He was on his game, and when the ball came, he attacked it.
“I’ve worked hard with Steven to make sure that next year that he’s ready to put in a season that his potential, three or four years ago, was suggesting.
“I think he can.
“We’ve changed his training programme, and he looks better for it now.
“Steven got in the team just before I arrived through Mike’s suspension.
“When Steven got injured, Mike got back in and held his place.
“Fair play to the big fella for that, but Steven Taylor’s desperate to play.”