YOUNG gun James Tavernier says he is learning from Newcastle United’s Captain Marvel Fabricio Coloccini as he bids to challenge for a first-team spot.
Tavernier has been on the bench for United’s last two games against Swansea City and Bolton Wanderers after being recalled from a loan spell at MK Dons.
The 20-year-old is highly rated by Toon boss Alan Pardew, who has farmed the player out for spells at Gateshead, Carlisle United, Sheffield Wednesday and the Dons in the last 12 months to build up his experience.
Tavernier admits he has learned a lot from the loan moves, but is delighted to be back on Tyneside, training alongside Argentinian international Coloccini each day.
And he hopes the tips he’s picked up from the talented centre-half will stand him in good stead as he looks to develop as a player.
“Throughout the season I have learned off loads of different players,” the Bradford-born player said.
“Everybody has got their own ability of teaching you something new. Everybody is a different player.
“But Coloccini is a player who has bags of experience.
“It’s obviously great to learn a lot from him.”
Tavernier is a right-back by trade, but can also operate in the centre of defence, as he did on his first-team debut last season against Accrington Stanley in the Carling Cup.
He was then sent on loan to Gateshead, playing 17 times, before stints at Carlisle, Sheff Wed and MK Dons this season.
And now he hopes that he can challenge the likes of Danny Simpson, James Perch and Mike Williamson, though he admits he is still on a ‘learning curve’ as a player.
“People like Perchy have also shown me a lot, so it’s a learning curve full stop,” added Tavernier.
“Every player in the Newcastle team I’ve learned from, and I try to take that into the games.”
Twitter: @rossgregory9
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