Taylor set for return

Birmingham defender Martin Taylor is poised to return to action for the first time since the challenge which resulted in Arsenal striker Eduardo suffering a broken leg.

Taylor will complete a three-match suspension for his sending-off against the Gunners three weeks ago by being unavailable for tonight’s Barclays Premier League clash with Newcastle at St Andrews.

But the centre-back is set to play for the reserves in Tuesday’s meeting with Tottenham at Solihull Moors in a bid to regain match fitness.

Taylor has come in for criticism from many quarters, including FIFA supremo Sepp Blatter, for the tackle on Eduardo – who is facing a year out of action.

He was also the subject of death threats via internet web-sites from Croatian fans upset that Eduardo had been ruled out of the Euro 2008 finals in Austria and Switzerland.

But Taylor has insisted the challenge was only mis-timed, with no malicious intent, and his explanation has been accepted by Eduardo – who was visited by the player in hospital in Birmingham the day after the injury occurred.

Blues boss Alex McLeish said: “Tiny [Taylor] needs to start playing again. He will play in the reserves on Tuesday.”

McLeish brought Taylor back into the side to add some height and physical presence to a back four which has often looked vulnerable at set pieces.

But his chances of earning a senior recall at Reading next weekend may depend on the performance of Liam Ridgewell and Radhi Jaidi against Newcastle.

McLeish said: “Radhi Jaidi is as big as Martin Taylor, so we have not lost anything there. Will Taylor come back in the side? It depends on the guys in possession of the jersey.

“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.”