Steven Taylor

Kevin Keegan has assured Steven Taylor he has a future at Newcastle.

Taylor turned down a new deal in September because he felt it compared unfavourably with some of the club's other youngsters' contracts.

But Keegan has moved to reassure Newcastle fans about Taylor's place in his plans, despite admitting he has yet to look at new contracts for current players.

He told the Evening Chronicle: "Anything like that won't even be considered by myself for a while.

"That's no disrespect to any players who have got contract problems, as I don't know who they are. I've got other priorities but I am sure we can sort it out.

"I like Steven Taylor - I think he's got leadership qualities in the making.

"There's not a lot of experience at the back, apart from Shay Given.

"Against Bolton, Taylor had a player in front of him who is still also learning the Premier League in David Rozehnal.

"But I thought Taylor was tremendous on Saturday, and I've been very impressed with him every time I've seen him play for a long time now."