McLeish defends Taylor

Blues boss jumps to defender's defence

By James Pearson   Last updated: 23rd February 2008

Martin Taylor Birmingham City red card Arsenal

Taylor: Sent off for tackle

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Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has defended Arsene Wenger's claims that Martin Taylor set out to injure Arsenal striker Eduardo.

Wenger claimed the defender intentionally tried to harm the Croatia international - a tackle that resulted in the Brazilian-born ace suffering an horrendous broken leg.

However, McLeish has stated Taylor is distraught over Eduardo's injury and that he believes the defender is not capable of a malicious challenge.

Distraught

"Martin's distraught. He's not that type of player. I need to see that again," he told Sky Sports.

"He didn't think he made a lot of contact with him. It's not in Taylor's make-up to produce a malicious tackle."

Despite trailing 2-1 late on courtesy of Theo Walcott's brace, Blues salvaged an unlikely point in injury-time after Gael Clichy brought down Stuart Parnaby.

McLeish hailed his players' commitment and believes their boldness late on in going for an equaliser, and risking conceding more goals, paid dividends.

Commitment

"The players' commitment was fantastic," he continued. "Taking the lead was probably unexpected but what a great goal it was.

"We looked comfortable up to half-time. We probably got a wee bit casual. I thought it's going to be a long second half.

"We were prepared to lose it by a heavier margin but boldness, I think, got us a point."