Taylor set to return

Blues defender pencilled in for reserve outing

By James Pearson   Last updated: 17th March 2008

Martin Taylor Birmingham City red card Arsenal

Taylor: Set to return

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Martin Taylor is set to play for Birmingham City's reserves on Tuesday, his first outing since breaking Eduardo da Silva's leg.

Taylor has not played since being sent off in Blues' 2-2 draw with Arsenal at St Andrews, incurring a three-match ban in the process.

That suspension, which some believe was too short considering the time Eduardo will spend on the sidelines, concludes after Monday's clash with out-of-sorts Newcastle.

Blues boss Alex McLeish has no plans to keep Taylor out of the firing line and wants to use him in Tuesday's reserve clash against Tottenham to boost his match sharpness.

Playing

"Tiny [Taylor] needs to start playing again. He will play in the reserves on Tuesday," explained McLeish.

Liam Ridgewell and Radhi Jaidi are expected to feature at the heart of Blues' defence against The Magpies, although McLeish has warned them they need to be on their game to keep Taylor out of the side.

"Will Taylor come back (against Reading)? It depends on the guys in possession of the jersey," he continued.

"It is up to the guys in there now. They have got to keep Tiny out. They have a challenge against Newcastle. That is their first mission."