Steven Taylor wants his beloved Newcastle United to achieve promotion back to the Premier League, but doesn’t want them to get a positive result this afternoon.

The Town defender, who left The Magpies last summer, after 13 professional seasons on Tyneside, will watch today’s game from the stands following a hamstring injury.

With Town all but safe from relegation, and Newcastle within touching distance of promotion back to the Premier League, it is likely to be a tense afternoon for the born and raised Geordie lad.

Three points at Portman Road today would be a big step for Newcastle in returning to the promised land, and Taylor admits that he would be ‘delighted’ if the club he adores make it back into the top flight.

“I’m obviously going to be delighted for them – the club and the fans deserve to be back in the Premier League,” said the defender, who has been invited to prove his fitness in pre-season by boss Mick McCarthy.

“They are the best team in the league. You’ve just got to look at the squad they’ve got, and the management, to see how good they are.

“They’ve been the most consistent side for me, but they’ve made it tough for themselves.

“I’ve spoken to a couple of their players, I’m not going to mention who, but they’re a bit nervous because they’ve seen that we’ve picked up a few draws against big sides, and are making a good go of it.”

Taylor has friends on the pitch and in the away section at Portman Road today, and in an ideal world, wants both teams to win!

“It’s the fixture I first looked for when I signed (for Ipswich in January),” admitted Taylor.

“It’s going to be a difficult game for me to watch, and I want us to get a good result, both teams need the points so it’s going to be a big game.

“I think we’ll see an unbelievable atmosphere at Portman Road, it’ll be electric.

“The Newcastle fans will be going crazy, you’ll probably hear the Barmy Army for 90 odd minutes!”

If results go their way, Ipswich could mathematically be safe this afternoon, while a win for Newcastle would almost guarantee a top-two finish.