Taylor relishing Eto'o meeting

Newcastle defender Steven Taylor is relishing the chance to renew acquaintances with Samuel Eto'o in the Europa League on Thursday.

Last Updated: 06/03/13 at 08:14 Post Comment   

Steven Taylor: Up against Samuel Eto'o again

Steven Taylor: Up against Samuel Eto'o again

Manager Specials

So who will replace David Moyes as manager of Everton after his appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor at Manchester United? Wigan's Robert Martinez heads the betting. Check out the latest odds

The pair last came up against each other in March 2004 when an 18-year-old Taylor was handed a senior debut as a late substitute as the Magpies completed a 7-1 aggregate victory over Real Mallorca in the Balearics on their way to the UEFA Cup semi-finals.

Taylor and Eto'o swapped shirts after the game and, while the defender still has his souvenir as a prized possession, he is not so sure the much-travelled striker, now plying his trade at Anzhi Makhachkala, will have been as impressed.

He said: "I remember that - he's probably still got my shirt as his duster! He might bring it to the game with cobwebs on it. never thought I would play against him again. He won't have a clue who I am, no chance!

"To have the chance of playing against a top-quality player like him is good. I've still got his shirt - it's framed."

The reunion will come at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium on Thursday evening when Anzhi host Newcastle in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie.

While Eto'o has spent much of the intervening years playing at the very top for Barcelona and Inter Milan, Taylor and the Magpies have experienced something of a rollercoaster ride.

However, having secured a return to European competition, they are determined to extend their run as far as possible, although their credentials will be put to the sternest of tests in Russia.

Taylor, who was part of the side unfortunate to go down 1-0 at Swansea in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday, said: "They have spent a lot of money, but we have got class in our team - look at the players we have got.

"We showed quality [against Swansea], and they have got to be worried about what we have got.

"We will have young, fresh players with more energy on the pitch.

"We will need that in Moscow."

TEAMtalk Facebook Fan Page

The TEAMtalk fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

thought you were describing Bart Simpson there from the episode where he sold his soul to Milhouse. I wonder do automatic doors work for Michael Owen.

sulman
The Evaporation Of Michael Owen

R

afa Benitez has won more trophies (10) over the past 11 years than the rest of the current managers in the EPL combined, except for Alex Ferguson.

angry bird
Chelsea duo salute Benitez

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

Footer 365

Brighton apologise to Crystal Palace for dressing room 'vandalism'

Brighton have apologised to Crystal Palace for the "vandalism" in their dressing room before last week's play-off semi.

Hodgson waits on Cleverley

England are waiting to find out if Tom Cleverley will be fit to face Republic of Ireland and Brazil after calling Jack Rodwell into the squad.

Liverpool eye Kolo move - Report

Liverpool are lining up a free transfer move for Manchester City defender Kolo Toure, according to reports on Monday evening.

Mail Box

What Would United Be Like In The Pub?

The Premier League season has only been over for about 20 hours and already we're well into the summer-type Mailbox. Plus, a shout for the 2014 player of the year...

Arsenal Should Be Praised For Finishing Fourth

Arsenal fans are largely positive after their top four finish, whilst one wag suggest buying Bale from their rivals. We also have an interesting final mail. Enjoy...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved