His strike-force, in particular, would have more than a few Premiership managers drooling. Peter will be able to call on James Milner, Carlton Cole, David Bentley, Jonathan Stead and Jermaine Pennant when he names his team for the friendly encounter at The Riverside.

"We do look very strong in the attack and midfield," Taylor admitted. "And it’s promising not just for now but for the next few years. James Milner for example can play for the Under-21s for the next four years. But, even though he’s still very young, he proved playing for Leeds last year that he’s already a man. Newcastle have got a very good player there."

Taylor is equally excited about the prospect of working with David Bentley who is a player that has consistently impressed every coach that he has worked with on his way up the international ladder and who will be trying to impose himself on the Premier League with Norwich this season.

"I saw David play for the Under-21s against Holland at Hull earlier this year and he is a very imaginative player around the box," commented Taylor. ‘And, with Carlton Cole and Jonathan Stead in the mix too, we have some exceptional talents in the striking area. Then there is Stewart Downing too who should be a real threat playing in front of his home Middlesbrough fans.

"If the defence we’ve had a couple of injuries but that has given me the chance to call up some new faces and it’s a good chance for me to see what they can do and for them to show me that they can handle it.

"I hope that the Middlesbrough public will come out in force and cheer the lads on."