RYAN Taylor admits he is banging on Chris Hughtons door to play first team football and insists he does not just want to be a cup player.

So far this season, Taylor has seen his first team opportunities limited with James Perch starting all six league games and with Danny Simpson nearing return from an ankle injury, competition for the right back position in fierce.

The former Wigan man has featured in the Magpies two Carling Cup games against Accrington Stanley and Chelsea, scoring spectacular strikes in both and the 26 year-old hopes his form in the cup will boost his chances of a call-up to the first team.

"I'd like to think I'm doing everything that could be asked of me but it's only Chris that picks the team," he said.

"I can only do what I've been doing. I'm sure it's in the back of his mind. He knows what I can do anyway.

"I don't want to be one of these players who only plays cup games. But the season's only just got going.

"I will be looking to try and play, it's just the way things have gone at the minute it's just not gone my way.

"Yeah, it's in the back of my mind. Danny played quite a lot of games last season and he's just coming back from injury now, which will increase the fight for places.

"He's still maybe a couple of games off yet but hopefully by then I will have had a chance and will take it."

Newcastles season to date has been a case of going from one extreme to the other, with home defeats to Blackpool and Stoke and away wins against Everton and Chelsea and while Taylor admits their form has been strange, he believes playing as underdogs in games are firing the squad up.

"Going into games as underdogs is maybe a little bit easier because everyone's saying the other team is going to win and they're expected to do it.

"If we nick a little result like we did at Everton it doesn't always work that way. If you are the underdog it sort of works in your favour.

Hughtons men went the whole of last season unbeaten at home but have now lost two consecutive games and with many saying their form at St James Park will be crucial for survival in the top flight, Taylor admits the side must get back on track quickly.

"The expectation's always going to be there but it's always nice to play in front of the home fans.

"It just hasn't gone our way at the minute but we've got to try and get last season's home form back on track, because we were unbeaten.

"To lose against Blackpool was a little bit disappointing but as far as going away, there isn't as much pressure. But we always enjoy playing at St James'

Park.

"Blackpool came and played really well whereas against Stoke we had all the possession and chances and they just tried to come and play for set pieces. That's what killed us.

"When it was 1-1 it looked as though the game was open and we went for a winner, which isn't really the sensible thing to do. You'd rather pick up one point than none.

"The season's only young. It just depends on the character of the players.

"We're lucky because we've got 25 people who've sort of got the same character. Everyone's up for a laugh and everyone wants to keep the team spirit going.

"There's no egos, no one who walks around as though they're the ones. It's a good place to be at the minute.

"The results are quite weird at the minute but I'm sure the lads who played at Chelsea will be knocking on Chris's door to try and get a game considering we lost the last on."