STEVEN TAYLOR will not play again for Newcastle United this season, in fear of another 'cock-up' that would sideline him for the start of the new campaign in August.

The young defender is keen to avoid a repeat of the mistakes that were made in December when it was decided an operation was not required on a shoulder problem.

That injury, sustained while on England Under-21 duty, had kept him out for a month and he returned to the Newcastle starting line-up at Liverpool on Boxing Day.

However, Taylor broke down in under half an hour against the Reds, which has come at a huge cost to the man from Whitley Bay.

The 20-year-old needed surgery on the troubled shoulder and has not played since. Realistically it will be next season when he returns to the Magpies fold.

But Taylor, keen to avoid a repeat of the shenanigans that cost him more than half of this Premiership campaign, is happy to stay in rehabilitation so long as it means he can work on returning to full fitness in pre-season.

"It's been frustrating for me to sit watching, especially when things haven't been going so well. I hate watching the team when I'm injured because I just want to be out there," said Taylor.

"I'm desperate to be back but I know I can't rush it this time. It was a cock-up at Liverpool. I know I can't rush. I can't take any chances. If it means I don't play again until next season, then I just have to accept that."

Taylor's absence has been to the detriment of Newcastle's season, as the team have struggled to regularly field the same back four.

Even under Glenn Roeder, despite the caretaker boss bringing immediate improvements defensively, Newcastle have struggled to eradicate silly mistakes in recent games.

In each of the last four matches drowsy defending has contributed to defeats in all of them. The fact a consistent backline has been selected will not have helped.

At Charlton, Aussie Craig Moore made his first meaningful start for the club and Peter Ramage was asked to play left-back, the third position he has played in as many games.

There is likely to be more changes against Tottenham on Saturday, with Robbie Elliott and Celestine Babayaro in the frame again after missing the weekend trip to Charlton.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed Alan Shearer's testimonial on May 11 is already sold out.

Tickets only went on general sale on Friday morning, when some supporters camped out overnight at St James' Park to ensure they got tickets for the visit of Celtic.

The Newcastle side will include Les Ferdinand, Gary Speed, Rob Lee and Steve Watson and Shearer can't wait for the day to arrive.

The Newcastle skipper, who is donating the £1m proceeds to charity, said: "When I walk out on to the pitch on May 11 at St. James' Park it will be one of the proudest moment of my life."

Lee, a close-friend and long-time team-mate of Shearer's, is looking forward the opportunity to pay tribute to the former England skipper.

Shearer broke Jackie Milburn's 200-goal mark earlier this season and became Newcastle's all-time leading goalscorer, an achievement that may never be broken again.

And Lee, still playing for Wycombe at the age of 40, said: "Alan is a consummate professional, his career on Tyneside is second to none.

"He has broken all records, he is Newcastle United's and the Premiership's all-time leading goalscorer.

"It is a great honour. He is a great man and probably the greatest player ever to have played for Newcastle United.

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