Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has said that defender Steven Taylor should be given the opportunity to represent England.

The 25-year-old has been part of a Newcastle defence who have kept three clean sheets in their opening four games of the season.

"Steven Taylor is probably playing the best football of his career for me," said Pardew. "I think he has a chance of being involved in England again.

"I think the management should come and have a look at him, he's doing that well. He is a good player, Steven.

"I do see a tendency of players to be picked elsewhere than in the North East. Steven Taylor is definitely playing at a level where he should be considered, in my view."

Taylor has played for England at junior level and was captain of the Under-21s.