YOUNG England prospect Steven Taylor is dreaming of becoming a regular part of Sven-Goran Eriksson's defence - despite accepting the tough task that lies ahead.

The Newcastle United man was part of the Under-21 side that coasted to victory over Azerbaijan at Middlesbrough on Tuesday and he watched the seniors repeat the scoreline at St James' Park.

The talented defender wants to become a permanent fixture in Eriksson's side, although he admits it will take time.

With Rio Ferdinand and John Terry looking more and more like Eriksson's first choice pairing, there are also names in waiting, including Sol Campbell and Ledley King.

Despite the long list in front of him, ambitious Taylor insists there is no reason to be deterred and he just wants to keep focusing on progressing at club and Under-21 level first.

If he does that then he believes a senior international call-up could come his way, although he realises next summer's European Under-21 Championships are a more likely target than playing for Eriksson in the World Cup.

"Some people might think the fact there are so many world-class centre halves who are in their mid-20s and playing for England is daunting for someone my age. But I see it as a challenge and I love it," said Taylor.

"It does not bother me one bit. At Newcastle there has been massive pressure on me due to the quality of the centre halves we've got.

"John Terry has been unbelievable for Chelsea throughout the season. He's been the rock of the defence and in set-plays he has been incredible.

"If I got the chance to play for the senior team then, obviously, that would be brilliant but my main priority at the moment is to play for the England Under-21s regularly."

Newcastle boss Graeme Souness has asked Taylor to fill holes at left and right-back this season, despite his preference for a centre-back role.

Souness, whose side are aiming to climb further into the top half of the Premiership with a win at home to Aston Villa tomorrow, has hinted Taylor could be given a chance to play in his best position before the end of the campaign.

"It really doesn't bother me where I play. Centre-half is my position and I really enjoyed the game with Azerbaijan playing there on Tuesday," said the 19-year-old. "I felt comfortable. At Newcastle I got put in there against Everton at St James' Park and I've only played there a couple of times. I'm on a really steep learning curve, especially with England.

"I read in the Press that the gaffer has said he'll play me at centre-half before the end of the season but I played there for 15 or 20 minutes of the Olympiacos game and I thoroughly enjoyed that.

"We've got some enormous games coming up and the manager will select his strongest side. If we do get more injuries and I am called upon then I aim to grab my chance with both hands."

Having played 15 games this season, Taylor has taken to taking shirts home from opponents.

"I'm a big shirt collector. I've got quite a few from opponents and my aim is to get as many shirts as I can. Already I've got Frank Lampard's, Sol Campbell's and two from Barcelona so there are some good names there," he said.

"I even saw Rivaldo in the Olympiacos game in Athens. He went off with a sprained ankle and before he stood up and walked off I made sure I was over there and it was an honour to get his shirt.

"It's a lot harder to get one of Alan Shearer's shirts, although I keep nagging him."