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HE'S NO VILLAIN

Neil Taylor backed by Steve Bruce after horror tackle on Seamus Coleman – with an instant return for Aston Villa against Norwich

Wales full-back's reckless lunge left the Ireland defender with a double leg-break but his club chief urges him to 'knuckle down'

STEVE BRUCE is backing Neil Taylor after his horror tackle on Seamus Coleman — by putting him straight in the firing line.

The Wales full-back’s X- rated tackle in last week’s World Cup qualifier in Dublin left Republic of Ireland defender Coleman with a double leg-break.

Neil Taylor slides in for this tackle with terrible results for Ireland defender Seamus Coleman
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Neil Taylor slides in for this tackle with terrible results for Seamus Coleman

Taylor’s Aston Villa boss Bruce described the challenge as “reckless” and admitted his January signing from Swansea was “saddened, shocked and disappointed” by events.


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But, after talks with the player this week, Bruce  is ready to throw Taylor back in today against Norwich.

He said: “It is best he plays straightaway. He’s disappointed but he has to live with it.

“It does happen. He’s been very good since he came here. It is unfortunate that it has happened to him. He has got our support.

“We feel desperately disappointed and saddened for Seamus. Our thoughts are with him for a speedy recovery.”

As for Taylor’s recovery, Bruce added: “He’s never going to forget about it but he’s got to try to get on with it.

Aston Villa Steve Bruce says Taylor must try to focus on football again despite the criticism of his tackle on Coleman
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Aston Villa Steve Bruce says Taylor must try to focus on football again despite the criticism of his tackle on Coleman

“He’s naturally saddened. He’s recovered from a serious injury himself  so he knows what it is. It’s saddened him as it’s saddened all of us.

“He’s just got to knuckle down and get on with it.”

Fifa have now opened disciplinary proceedings against the Villa defender, 28, which could see his one-game ban extended. But  Bruce said: “It seems a bit extreme if Fifa are getting involved.”

Taylor trudges off after his red card for his leg-breaking lunge on Coleman
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Taylor trudges off after his red card for his leg-breaking lunge on ColemanCredit: Sportsfile
Bruce agrees the tackle by Taylor was reckless but wants the defender to concentrate again on his football
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Bruce agrees the tackle by Taylor was reckless but wants the defender to concentrate again on his footballCredit: PA:Press Association

Taylor phoned Coleman this week after getting his number from international colleague Ashley Williams, an Everton team-mate of the Irishman’s.

He is understood to have apologised  for the tackle and Bruce  added: “We never ever go out to intentionally hurt an opponent. He’s disappointed himself because Neil  wouldn’t  intentionally hurt anyone.”

Bruce suffered a horror injury himself and recalled: “Tommy Tynan broke my leg against  Newport when I was playing for Gillingham.

“I tried to have a kick at him so it was my own fault!

“Most of us accept you are going to get an injury but you hope it is not a serious one.”

 

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