Taylor Touched By Team-Mates' Tribute

By Dan King - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Ryan Taylor has revealed that he was left "speechless" by a heartfelt gesture from his team-mates - and has vowed to come back better than ever after his injury set-back.

The 28-year-old was ruled out of action for several months after suffering a serious knee injury against Atromitos last Thursday night and is set to undergo an operation later this week.

But he was at Sunday's game against Aston Villa, where each player emerged from the tunnel wearing a tracksuit top with the message 'Ryan Taylor Over The Wall' on the back.

Alan Pardew explained that captain Fabricio Coloccini was behind the idea and it meant a lot to Taylor, who is a hugely popular member of the dressing room as well as being a fans' favourite for his derby winner against Sunderland last season.

"When I found out, I was quite speechless and it just shows what a great team we've got here," the Merseysider told nufc.co.uk.

"I think it was a few of the boys who mentioned it in the team meeting the other day and the gaffer said 'for sure, we'll show some respect.' I was touched when I heard about it.

"It just shows how together we are. If it wasn't me and it was anyone else, I'm sure everyone would do the same.

"I feel like we're one big family here. We do look after each other and I get on with all the lads and I'll miss them. It's a nice touch for such a bad injury."

Although it will be a while before Taylor sets foot on the pitch again, his team-mates have already shown that they won't forget about him.

And Pardew has already promised to keep the ex-Wigan man as involved as possible during his rehabiliation - particularly as the Club embark upon their Europa League campaign, something Taylor would have played a big part in but for his untimely blow.

"I spoke to the gaffer and he said he wants to make me feel a big part of everything we do when we go to Europe," Taylor said.

"He said if I wanted to go to away games in Europe, I could still go and for sure, if there's space on the plane to go then by all means I'll be there with the team.

"I don't want to feel left out and the manager's stated that he won't leave me out."

Taylor has bounced back from long-term injuries before, having suffered a broken metatarsal and broken leg during his time with Wigan and ankle ligament damage in the 2010/11 season while at Newcastle.

And he insisted that he will use those experiences to ensure that he comes through his latest setback as quickly as possible.

"I've got to stay positive," he said. "I've had setbacks in the past, I've had quite a long spell on the sidelines before and this is obviously not going to be any different.

"But I've got through them - and I don't see why I can't come through this even stronger."

To buy a Newcastle United shirt with Ryan Taylor's name on the back, click here