Peter Taylor wants to see less of Mr Nice Guy from towering centre half Luke Oliver.

The 6ft 7in defender comes into the City side with a reputation for winning everything in the air.

Oliver also comes across as a “gentle giant” – a side of his game that Taylor aims to get rid of during an initial one-month loan.

The pair are together for the third time, and Taylor said: “I’ve got a lot of belief in him. Luke’s got all the tools to be a very good centre half.

“With his size, he wins the majority of headers. He’s also very safe on the ball and I think he’s a good defender.

“I know his weaknesses as well and he can be a bit too nice; a bit of a gentle giant. I hope I can get that out of him.

“But I know he’s had some very good games this year and he was the best centre half I had at the start of the season at Wycombe.”

The 25-year-old admits he is playing for his future, with Gary Waddock unlikely to offer him a new deal at Adams Park in the summer. And he is familiar with Taylor’s “nice guy” digs.

Oliver said: “He’s told me that a few times. Sometimes quite pleasantly and sometimes, at half-time, not so nicely.

“I’ve got to take it on board and try to change that.

“This is a big opportunity for me. Sitting in the stand doesn’t help your cause getting a new contract.

“I’ve had some very good experiences this season, playing against teams like Leeds, Millwall and Charlton, but although I’m dropping down a league, this is the biggest club I’ve played for.

“Hopefully we can pick up results now because that always looks good for everyone.

“We’re not letting the season dribble away.”

Taylor certainly feels that Oliver will benefit from the confidence he has shown in the big guy during their previous spells together with Wycombe and Stevenage.

The City boss said: “I know what Luke can do and think he’s a better player than other managers have thought.

“My best period as a player was at Crystal Palace with Malcolm Allison.

“He loved me to bits and thought I was a really great player – and I believed him. That makes a difference.”