Posted by Thomas Rooney

The pair have formed an excellent partnership this season, with Newcastle only conceding four goals in their opening seven Premier League games.

This has helped Alan Pardew’s men climb to 4th in the table, meaning they occupy a Champions League place as things stand, something which nobody would have predicted after an eventful summer for the club.

However, the entire team has been in form and played to the best of their ability, including Coloccini who Taylor was full of praise for.

The 25-year-old said, “We've got a good understanding. It's good to work with him. He's got the experience and hopefully I can learn from him.”

Another factor in Taylor’s successful start to the season has been his improved fitness of course and he revealed how important it was to go into the new campaign without any injury problems.

He continued, "I had to get a good pre-season under my belt. Last year I wasn't particularly fit.

“I came in the last three games of the season, chipped in with a few goals but I'd get to 70 minutes on the clock and cramp would kick in. I knew I wasn't fully fit but I needed to get through the season.

"For me now I've had a full pre-season under my belt, I've played every game, and I'm delighted with my fitness. I just want to continue it now and play week in, week out.”

Taylor will be hoping to continue his decent form against Tottenham this weekend. Newcastle host Harry Redknapp’s men on Sunday afternoon in the clash of two form teams at St James Park.

Newcastle will be hoping that home advantage tells against Spurs and that their excellent start to the campaign continues. Taylor and Coloccini will certainly be doing all they can to keep out a dangerous attacking side.

While we wait for this one to get underway, it is certainly worth visiting www.pokerstars.co.uk this weekend. Poker and Premier League football – perfect!