NEWCASTLE new boy David Rozehnal has backed team-mate Steven Taylor to shine for his country and have a long and distinguished international career.

Taylor was drafted in to Steve McClaren's squad on Friday for England's friendly with Germany on Wednesday, a selection seen as a reward for his impressive performances for the under 21s in the European Championships in Holland.

And with Sol Campbell withdrawing through injury and question marks still surrounding John Terry's fitness, there is every chance Taylor could play some part against the Germans.

"Steven Taylor could do well as an England international," said Rozehnal. "Why not? He's young and he's a good player already. He will get a lot of good experience joining up with the national team.

"I think he can go from strength to strength and become a big footballer. I wasn't at his level when I was his age and I think he will continue to get better."

While many may have been surprised with Taylor's selection for the full national side, his manager Sam Allardyce was not one of them.

"Not with the amount of injuries England have," admitted the United chief. "Taking him along and having a look at him is a good idea. The selection is perhaps borne out of a successful summer in Holland.

"He will gain experience from it. From our point of view and Steve's, it's always worth giving a young player that experience.

"There are different pressures that playing for your country brings. I'm not sure he'll play or take any part in the game. But if that's not the case I'll go and have a look at him."

Rozehnal, meanwhile, believes his burgeoning partnership with Taylor at the heart of the United back four will blossom even further as they get more familiar with one another.

"I feel we're getting better and better as a partnership with each game we play," said the £2.9m signing from Paris St Germain. "But I feel I have a good relationship with all the lads in the team.

"We try to speak together throughout the game. That's important throughout the team."

The Czech international also made it known he was impressed with club's fanatical supporters after making his home debut. He added: "I know now you have to scream to make yourself heard with 50,000 people at St James's Park. Maybe that has been the problem in the past.

"It's difficult making yourself heard here. We were screaming at everyone. That's the only way. We see everything from the defence so it's important that the defenders do the talking. We have to control the game and talk to our team-mates."