By Matthew Jones
December 2 2004

18-year-old defender Steven Taylor made his home debut for Newcastle United against Everton at the weekend, and isn't he delighted! SPEAKING TO THE EVENING CHRONICLE:

"It was a dream-come-true to play in front of 52,000 fans at St James' Park.

"To run out in front of them was unreal.

"It made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. When I came out it was fantastic, and hearing Local Hero gets you up for it. I've been at the club since I was nine and it's been my dream to play here.

"I'm just disappointed we didn't get the three points. I thought we should have won.

"The players were out there talking to me and I was getting encouraged by the manager on the sidelines.

"I took a bit of time to settle and was glad to get a few touches on the ball. I felt quite relaxed. I know what the fans want, I wasn't going to bottle challenges.

"Everton's free-kick cost us the victory. We've got to learn that mistakes like that will cost us games.

"You can see why Everton are doing so well. They are up there in the table because they graft. They defended well, they are a good unit at the back and we just couldn't get the ball in the net.

"We are Newcastle United, we are a big club. We should be up there as well and there is no reason why we can't take three points from the likes of these teams."