STEVEN TAYLOR may not have had the privilege of playing with Nolberto Solano in the past but has hailed the Peruvian as one of the main factors behind Newcastle United's recent turnaround in fortunes.

Since making his second debut for the Magpies in the derby victory over Sunderland 11 days ago, Newcastle have won a further two matches to lift the doom and gloom around Tyneside.

Sunday's victory over West Brom lifted Graeme Souness' side into the top half of the table, while the success at Grimsby eight days ago has kept hopes alive of Carling Cup glory.

And Taylor, a rising Academy product before Solano left the club to join Aston Villa in January last year, believes the South American's input can't be underestimated.

"The effect Nobby has had in the dressing room is unbelievable," said Taylor. "When he came back to the club it gave all of the players an enormous boost and has made everyone feel a lot more positive.

"He is a good talker and is very experienced. He is always encouraging the other players. It was fantastic for the supporters to see him come back here because he has always been really popular. It was also great for the players and we're all really glad that he is back."

Solano had to spend the first six weeks of his second spell at St James' Park in the treatment room after picking up a thigh injury.

Taylor experienced what life was like alongside Solano before he moved to Villa but it is only now that he has been able to rub shoulders with him in Premiership action wearing black and white.

"Everyone knows what he is capable of on the pitch," said the young centre-back. "He left the club before I made my debut under Bobby Robson but although I had never played a first-team game with him I had worked with him and I knew what he could do. It's great to be playing with him now.

"Nobby has so much ability and some of the things he does are amazing, it's heartening just to watch him sometimes. With his crossing ability, I think we look a much better team. We have missed his creative talent and it is great for the strikers to see him back."

Souness will be taking his players to Marbella during the international break as they have a free weekend before Chelsea's visit to Tyneside on November 19.

Meanwhile, winger Alan O'Brien has returned from his one-month loan with Carlisle.

* Former Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson's chances of becoming the new Hearts manager are cooling after he expressed his concern at the ruthless sacking of chief executive Phil Anderton.

Anderton interviewed Robson about the post recently but has now left the club after a disagreement with majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov.

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