Steven Taylor: “It was unbelievably tough when I was injured last season – it was so frustrating.
“You just want to be out there.
“The lads were fantastic, and they got promoted.
“We wanted to get back to the Premier League, and win something for the fans, and we did that.
“A club like Newcastle United shouldn’t be in the Championship.
“I just want to get back playing again – I can’t wait.
“It’s been a long time, and I’m just dying to get out there.
“Dublin was great. It was tough training three times a day.
“We had to get up at 5.30am, and it was hard work.
“But everyone knows how important this season is for all of us.
“We’ll be playing against some of the best players in the world, and you want to test yourself against the best.
“It’s the league you want to play in.
“Running out at St James’s Park is in front of 52,000 is the best feeling in the world – it’s what being a professional footballer’s all about.
“It’s an honour to wear that shirt.”