NEWCASTLE'S comeback man Ryan Taylor admits it is nice to be missed and aims to repay those pining for him by helping the team get back to winning ways.
The defender has spent the last fortnight recuperating in the treatment room after being stretchered off in the win over Aston Villa at St James’ Park with an ankle injury. That meant the utility man was absent from the mauling at White Hart Lane.
Some even suggested that had he been available, he would have helped plug the left-back gap which Spurs exploited at will that day.
Wishful thinking perhaps given the whole team had a collective nightmare that night but such sentiment does at least give an indication as to how much Taylor’s presence on the pitch is valued by the fans.
He said: “It’s nice to be missed. On a personal note I feel like this season I’ve been able to get a good run going and that’s what I’ve needed. I’ve needed to try and establish myself and to do that you need a run in the team. The gaffer has shown a lot of faith in me and when I have been playing I’ve tried to repay him with the effort and the work I’ve put in for him.
“It hasn’t been hard to keep myself going this season. You want to play for this club, but you do get disappointments and there’s been a few of them, but the big thing for me this year is to just stay fit. The injuries I have had were not caused through my own fault. Last season I had an injury through training which kept me out for five months and the season before I was in and out the team.
“It takes time to get a run going. As a player that’s all you ask for, but when you do get the chance you’ve got to take it and it has been a good season so far.”
Taylor has been noted for his versatility this season having been able to switch between defence and midfield with ease. However, this is nothing new to him although he concedes the jack of all trades tag is one he has tried to lose.
He added: “I played centre midfield against Blackburn and for a number of games I played left-back. Others I’ve played right midfield.
“I’m raring to play anywhere for the manager. It’s been a bit of a funny one position-wise this season, but I don’t think I’ll ever shake that versatility tag off, I did try!
“When called upon I’ll always give everything I’ve got. It is nice to be in that unique position of being able to play in different positions.
“Playing left-back it sort or helps you as a right midfielder, because you know what a left-back hates, so you just do what he hates. That works in your favour.”
Being on the left flank does have its benefits for Ryan given the excellent partnership he’s forged with left-midfielder Jonas Gutierrez.
Taylor continued: “Jonas is a good grafter and someone who you do need and he always wants the ball. I don’t know how he does it but he always manages to keep hold of the ball – I don’t even think he knows.
“He’s a dream player to have in front of you as you know if you are getting doubled up on he will help you, same going the other way.
“The fans obviously pick up on what he does, because he gets noticed for the amount of work he puts in. I think that’s why he’s a big fans favourite at this club.”
:: WEST Ham co-owner David Sullivan believes Newcastle face losing Demba Ba for around half his get-out clause, claimed to be around £7m, because of payments due to the player if he leaves the club.
