Taylor's team celebration shows he is maturing fast

By Simon Bird

Published 22:58 16/05/11

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Steven Taylor has now notched two goals in two games since his return to Newcastle's starting line-up.

Judging by his celebrations after scoring an injury time equaliser at Chelsea, he has learned a few lessons in the past fortnight too.

When he scored against Birmingham earlier this month, he celebrated with a 50-yard sprint down the touchline, flapping his arms - and leaving team-mates trailing behind him.

I noted several senior pros shaking heads, and raising eyebrows, at the celebration as Taylor danced 30 yards away on the touchline.

It was the sort of individual milking of a situation that went against all that Alan Pardew's side have stood for in the last couple of seasons

Let's be charitable to Taylor (and I am a fan of his) and put it down to excitement and pride.

But it was good to see that, at Chelsea, he ran towards the United fans and beckoned his team-mates to share the moment next to the corner flag.

Now that's how to celebrate a goal.

Share the credit, bond in the moment of joy. Show you are a part of a team.

Taylor has talent. Now he has to get his head down, complete a consistent and injury-free season and fulfil the promise that made him England Under-21 skipper.

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