Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor says their January signings can drive them up the table.

Taylor's close pal Ryan Taylor, former Bolton captain Kevin Nolan and Denmark international Peter Lovenkrands were all added in the January transfer window by manager Joe Kinnear.

Taylor said: "The new lads have been a breath of fresh air. The squad is looking much stronger now. I think we had our strongest bench of the season against Everton.

"There are experienced players coming back now, and that makes a difference. It's what we need. For most of the season, we seem to have had young lads on the bench, and while they've tried their heart out when they've been called upon, it's hardly ideal.

"We have experienced players pushing us for our places now and that can only be good. You need that competition in your side."