'˜True Geordie' will come to injury-hit Newcastle's rescue

The defender will make his first start in almost six months against West Bromwich Albion at St James’s Park this afternoon.

McClaren, the relegation-threatened club’s head coach, lost Paul Dummett and Chancel Mbemba to injury against Everton in midweek, while Jamaal Lascelles is suspended after his late dismissal at Goodison Park.

“He (Taylor) will play, because he’s the only centre-back we’ve got left,” said McClaren. “It’s probably earlier than we’d envisage after playing only 60 minutes (in a behind-closed-doors game).

“It is very frustrating for him. He is a true Geordie, Newcastle boy and we will need that kind of commitment.”

Meanwhile, captain Fabricio Coloccini is fit to play after shrugging off a knock.