Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor says none of Sunderland's players could make their starting XI.

Taylor was asked how many Sunderland players would get into the Newcastle line-up.

"Not even one player," he replied. "That is the quality we possess.

"We say it all the time. Even last year the gaffer said it, he has our team above Sunderland. It is all very well saying that but we have to go out and deliver. That is down to the players.

"It is all right saying, 'Yes, the team sheet looks great' but you have to go and perform."

What about England's Adam Johnson, would he swap him for a Newcastle winger?

"No! He can join our reserves if he wants to," said Taylor, warming to his mischievous theme.

"But Adam Johnson is a very good player. I played with him with England Under-21s and he is very attack-minded.

"He knows all about this game, being from Middlesbrough."