TEENAGER Martin Taylor finally made his breakthrough into the big-time with Blackburn Rovers and has enough self-confidence to declare: "I want more".

With Darren Peacock available again after suspension to face Wimbledon at Ewood on Saturday, it could well be that the 19-year-old Geordie giant, nicknamed "Tiny", will be withdrawn from the firing line.

But, after biding his time sitting on the substitutes' bench in a number of games this season, when his big chance came at Highfield Road on Saturday, he took it.

"It was good, I really enjoyed it," said Taylor after facing the likes of established strikers such as Noel Whelan, John Aloisi and Darren Huckerby.

"I thought I might be playing but I wasn't sure and I was a little bit nervous - but not too much.

"The other players were good to me and there was plenty of encouragement from them.

"At first, I found it a little bit quick but I got into it and it was what I expected.

"The pitch wasn't too good and it became a long-ball game so I had plenty to do.

"And it was a hard game. But I want more now."

Manager Brian Kidd was delighted with Taylor's contribution and it can only have been a bonus for him that he has introduced another young player - forced on him by injuries and suspensions - and seen him thrive under intense pressure.

"I thought young Martin had a great debut," said the boss.

"The goal came from their throw-in and he just lost Aloisi. But that's what you get when you continue having to make changes in your back four, midfield and even up front." If only Rovers can retain their Premiership status, Kidd could well be the man to ensure that the rich seam of younger players they have at the club provides major dividends in the future.

Already this season, David Dunn and Damien Johnson have shown they have what it takes to become top-flight players.

Before them, Damien Duff had made his mark. Matt Jansen has the manager's backing to become a big star and now Taylor has shown how much he wants to play on the big stage.

It promises a bright future and, even though it is for the wrong reasons, the kids are being given a chance to show what they can do.

Taylor and Dunn were members of the youth team last season and Johnson has not got much more experience.

They should really be nursed along but, because of the current crisis, they have had to be thrown in at the deep end and Kidd is anxious to protect them if at all possible.

"Playing youngsters doesn't worry me, my background is all about youngsters," said the manager.

"But you can't be throwing too many in.

"We had five young pups out there against Coventry and you can't really be doing that.

"You need your experience around you. "We are trying to get a blend for the future on a good solid base with two or three good, experienced players."

In last night's reserve team game, 18-year-old Jim Corbett also showed the potential that prompted Rovers to buy him from Gillingham for a substantial fee last summer.

Corbett has battled back from suffering a broken leg early in his first season with the club and showed against Manchester United's second string that he is eager to start challenging for a place in the senior squad.

Nathan Blake has been named in the Wales squad for European Championship Qualifying Group One match against Switzerland in Zurich on Wednesday, March 31. Preston's Kurt Nogan is on stand-by.

Ewood youngsters Anthony Williams and James Thomas have been named inthe Wales squad for UEFA Under-21 Championship Group One match against Switzerland in Winterthur on Tuesday, March 30.

Rob Lee has pleaded with Newcastle to set a fair price if they intend to sell him.

The 33-year-old England midfielder has made just one start since Boxing Day through a combination of injury and the form of German Dietmar Hamann and rejuvenated Welsh international Gary Speed in central midfield.

Newcastle are believed to be asking around £2million for the veteran star, and Lee hopes any price on his head will not inhibit interested clubs.

Two more Pontin's League Premier Division matches have now been re-arranged.

Rovers' game against Liverpool, rescheduled for May 4, has now been brought forward to next week, Thursday, March 25, at Anfield (kick-off 7pm).

And they will now visit Aston Villa on Tuesday, May 4, the game to be played at Villa Park (7pm).

One of Rovers' young players, midfielder Ian Richards, is spending a two-week trial with First Division club Grimsby Town.

He will be available at the end of the season if Grimsby are interested in signing him.

Another young player Paddy Connolly is being looked at by Macclesfield Town, of the Second Division.

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