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Pardew's Praise For Terrific Taylor
Written by Newcastle Utd
Alan Pardew was full of praise for Ryan Taylor after he made his long-awaited comeback against Manchester City
By Tom Easterby
Alan Pardew was full of praise for the returning Ryan Taylor after he made his long-awaited comeback in Wednesday night's 2-0 Capital One Cup victory over Manchester City.
The 30-year-old has endured more than two years of injury hell since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in a Europa League win against Atromitos in August 2012.
But, after stepping up his rehabilitation by featuring for United's under-21s in the last month, Taylor was named on the bench for last Sunday's Barclays Premier League win at Tottenham Hotspur before playing the full 90 minutes as the Magpies triumphed at the Etihad Stadium.
"It's been a great 24 hours for Ryan, and when you consider he's had 24 months or more of real tough work and tough mentally on him, it's brilliant to have that kind of night for him and his family," said Pardew.
"I've had players who have had serious injuries and not come back - the same sort of injury as Ryan. He's had a good surgeon, that helps, and he's had good medical care, which helps. But more importantly his attitude has been spot on.
"It's very, very important to keep your mentality strong. We've tried to keep him alive, we've given him scouting and stuff in terms of interest and included him in stuff that we were doing, I think that helped him as well.
"He's had some help along the way but it all really lies at his own feet in terms of his attitude to everything we've put in front of him."
Taylor is a popular figure among United supporters, who fondly remember his Tyne-Wear derby-winning free-kick at the Stadium of Light back in August 2011.
After watching his excellent showing against the champions in midweek, Pardew confessed to having a soft spot for the amiable Merseysider, who could feature against Liverpool at St. James' Park on Saturday.
"I think in this area we are very much aware of Ryan's troubles and battles," said the Newcastle boss.
"He's had the best part of two years out with cruciate injuries - terrible injuries for a professional sportsman - and he's shown tremendous dedication to come back and I think they admire that.
"They admire the type of person he is, and it's all being reflected and I can't say he doesn't deserve it.
"Ryan's got a special bond here. He obviously scored a very famous goal for us under my tenure, I've always had a soft spot for him but you can't help but have a soft spot for him - he's just that kind of guy.
"He's just a football person who does everything the right way."