Defender says he was unknown to former England boss.
Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor has revealed that former England manager Fabio Capello thought he was a midfielder, reports the Guardian.
Following an injury to Gary Cahill, Taylor was added to the England squad for this week’s World Cup qualifying double header by Capello’s successor Roy Hodgson.
The 27-year-old could now make his England debut against San Marino or Montenegro, having previously been an unused substitute in a friendly under Steve McLaren in 2007.
And the Toon centre-half revealed that he hoped his good form last season would be rewarded with international recognition but said Capello was unaware where he played.
“Last season Fabio Capello didn’t come to watch Newcastle even when we had the best defensive record up to Christmas,” Taylor explained.
“The gaffer, Alan Pardew, saw Capello at an event and told him: ‘You should come and see Taylor.’ Capello said: ‘I’m all right for midfielders’.
“That did a lot for my confidence. It was almost back to the feeling I had when we got relegated.
“It killed me when we went down. Capello said he wasn’t going to pick anybody in the Championship.”
Taylor also revealed he would ‘run through brick walls’ to represent his country.
“It seems like a long time ago but I was called up in 2007 for a game against Germany and although I didn’t get on the pitch, it was incredible just being around the England squad.
“I would run through brick walls to play for my country. It would be the proudest moment in my career and if it comes, I would be absolutely delighted, over the moon, call it what you want. You cannot get any higher than playing for your country.”
COMMENTS