Steven Taylor to earn himself a new deal

Steve McClaren has urged 'Mr Newcastle' Steven Taylor to earn himself a new contract by helping to stave off the threat of relegation from the Barclays Premier League. The 30-year-old central defender returned from a five-and-a-half-month injury lay-off in last Saturday's 1-0 win over West Brom, and looked like he had never been away as the Magpies kept a first clean sheet in 11 games in all competitions. With Chancel Mbemba battling to be fit for the trip to Stoke on March 2, Taylor is likely to keep his place for Saturday's trip to Chelsea, giving him another opportunity to persuade McClaren and the board that his existing contract, which expires in the summer, should be extended.