Keeper voices Taylor support

Defender tipped to come back strong

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 19th March 2008

Taylor Maik

Maik Taylor: Backing team-mate

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Birmingham goalkeeper Maik Taylor has given his support to team-mate Martin Taylor after he made his first appearance since being sent off for breaking Eduardo da Silva's leg.

The defender has been suspended for Birmingham's last three Premier League games but he returned to action for the club's reserves on Tuesday evening.

Martin Taylor has insisted there was no malice in the mistimed challenge on Arsenal forward Eduardo, which has generated much debate among players and officials in recent weeks.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has criticised the former Blackburn player but Maik Taylor has defended his namesake and backed him to respond in the right manner.

"I think it will be a relief to Martin just to get back playing," said the 36-year-old shot-stopper.

"He had got back in the first team, had a decent run and was playing really well. It was unfortunate what happened.

Shame

"It's great for him to be back. It's a shame to have heard some of the things that have been said. We all know what Tiny (Taylor) is all about. There is not a malicious bone in his body.

"I think it has all got blown out of proportion because of Arsene Wenger saying what he did after the game in the heat of the moment. Even though he retracted it later, the papers had been printed and the rest is history."

Maik Taylor does not believe the Englishman will play any differently when he plays his next Premier League match.

He said: "Tiny genuinely tried to play the ball. I don't think there's been any mental scar on him from it although, with the outcome (Eduardo's broken leg) and everything else that has gone on, it's bound to affect you a little bit.

"But he's over that now and Tiny's conscience is clear in that there was no intent at all. He will move on and, if the ball is there to be won again I'm sure he will try and win it. It was just an unfortunate thing that happened."