Steven Taylor: "I captained the Under-21s a couple of times in the European Championships when Nigel Reo-Coker went off the pitch, but to be handed the captaincy full-time is a massive honour, not just for me, but for everyone connected with Newcastle United.
Taylor Shares His Proud Honour
"Friday will be one of the proudest moments of my life. I had a taste of the senior squad - and I'm hungry for more - but it's great to be with the Under-21s again.
"I do not see it as a step down. I am still learning, and playing under Stuart Pearce is unbelievable.
"What we have got to do is make sure we qualify for the championships in two years' time.
"It's a tough group with some big games. It's important we get some results early doors, rather than play catch-up. The squad is good enough to do that if we keep everyone fit.
"I've not seen the replays of that incident (his class with Emile Heskey on Saturday) yet, but I went down on my shoulder and my head hit the ground.
"I remember at the time the referee put his fingers down my throat to stop me swallowing my tongue.
"It looked worse than it was, but I didn't want to move at the time in case something was wrong."