Steven Taylor admits he loves going toe-to-toe with "class act" Aleksandar Mitrovic in training



By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor

Steven Taylor believes teammate Aleksandar Mitrovic is a "class act" with a big future at Newcastle United, and admits he loves going toe-to-toe with the big striker in training.

Twenty-one-year-old Mitrovic arrived from Anderlecht last summer and has five goals to his name this term, including the winner against West Bromwich Albion last weekend, which helped lift the Magpies out of the Barclays Premier League relegation zone.

The Serbian international front man may still be adjusting to life in England but Taylor has been impressed with his contribution to United's cause, and knows only too well just what a handful Mitrovic can be.

"For me, he is a class act," centre-back Taylor told nufc.co.uk.

"He is a good target man and is only young but is bullying experienced defenders and knocking them about. He takes a lot of hits but gets up and gets on with it, and I thought he was outstanding (against West Brom).

"He looked clinical, confident and that showed when he went through to score.

"I love playing against him. We have some great tussles in training but that's what we want for each other.

"I give him a bit and he gives it back, because that's what we're both going to get in the Premier League.

"We have a great battle, we enjoy it, come off the pitch and have a cuddle. Playing like that is only going to help us both improve and that will be a good thing for Newcastle."