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Ryan's Helping Hand For Second String
Written by Newcastle Utd
Ryan Taylor is helping the Club's under-21 side while he continues his comeback from a serious knee injury
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Ryan Taylor was a surprise inclusion in the Newcastle United Under-21 party which travelled to Blackburn Rovers on Monday night.
The popular Scouser was not making his comeback from nearly two years sidelined by injury, however, but instead lending a hand in the next steps towards his coaching badges.
Taylor has not kicked a ball in anger since August 2012, when he tore his cruciate ligament against Atromitos in the Europa League, and cruelly suffered the same injury almost a year ago just as he was set for a return to action.
As well as his lengthy rehabilitation programme, this latest lay-off has seen the defender look towards the future and the possibility of coaching.
That has seen him take a keen interest in the Club's Academy and under-21 sides, and the Magpies' Football Development Manager Peter Beardsley expects Taylor's presence in the dugout to be a regular thing for the next few months.
"Ryan is injured at the moment but has taken a real interest in the reserves," Beardsley told nufcTV in this interview.
"I would think you will see him more and more (between now and the end of the season).
"He loves it, he's a big help to us, he plays the game now and so can give the kids his knowledge.
"Ryan has a brilliant attitude and it's a pleasure to have him with us."