Newcastle: Steven Taylor Definitely Does Have A Screw Loose - Good!

It is sometimes unfair the criticism that Newcastle players are forced to endure, and the effect on their performances should never be under-estimated, particularly in light of Gabriel Obertan's surprisingly good form. Like the Frenchman, Steven Taylor is another squad member who has taken a lot of flak in the past, mostly thanks to his behaviour in trying to get the crowd behind the team and is uncanny knack for mistakes. But Taylor doesn't deserve as much hatred as he is occasionally the target of, because his only crime is being committed to the cause but without the footballing brain to make him a true great. Mike Williamson might be the man chosen to play alongside Fabricio Coloccini more often than not, but Taylor's commitment to the cause and his obvious willingness to put his body on the line should mark him as the better option, particularly with the club fighting for survival. And as Jack Colback so aptly put it in his post-match interview with nufc.co.uk, Taylor will always do what he can to help the team:

"Tayls came in and he was fantastic. He's like that in training, he'll stand in front of the ball and take one in the face - think he's got a bit of a screw loose - but I think it showed that we were really fighting and we're fighting for the club, the manager and the fans. We want to do well this season."

A comical assessment, no doubt, but definitely a strong selling point for the former England prospect, and the reason he needs to continue playing. The defender will be offered to Nottingham Forest in exchange for the early return of Jamaal Lascelles - according to the Sunday People - though that can probably be dismissed as the usual Sunday paper garbage. What is clear is that while he's a figure of fun, Taylor's commitment and unhinged happiness to throw himself in front of anything heading towards the goal is a lot more valuable to Newcastle now than it ever has been. And frankly, we can all accept some fist pumps and crowd rallying if he performs as he did yesterday.