Kevin Keegan has assured his England Under-21 skipper Steven Taylor that he is very much part of his plans at Newcastle United.

And to prove this, the Magpies boss is ready to sit down and talk to the Taylor camp about a new contract for the Geordie boy.

Keegan has already gone on record as saying how much he admires the 22-year-old local boy and he must have been disappointed that the defender went on record yesterday talking about his dissatisfaction that he has not had an improved contract offer.

The United boss told the Evening Chronicle: "I think there are things that are important to the player and the club, but I don't think at the moment they are the things that we should be most concerned about.

"We want to make sure we stay in this division, which we've got to. Then, we'll look at all those things.

"There are other players as well as Steven whose contracts need looking at. He's still got another year after this, so we've got time to talk.

"I think I'm going to see his dad this week."