BRUCE: NEIL HAS TO MOVE ON NOW
ASTON Villa manager Steve Bruce is backing Neil Taylor after FIFA opened proceedings against him following his tackle on Seamus Coleman.
The 28-year-old Wales left-back was sent off in a 0-0 draw with the Republic of Ireland in Dublin last Friday after a challenge which broke Coleman’s leg in two places.
Taylor, who joined Aston Villa in the January transfer window, has spoken of his remorse over the incident, though he could be handed an extended ban by FIFA.
“He’s never going to forget about it, but he’s got to try and get on with it,” boss Bruce said. “He’s naturally saddened because it’s certainly not Neil Taylor. He’s recovered from a serious injury himself so he knows what it is.
“He’s very disappointed with what’s happened. It’s saddened him as it’s saddened all of us. He’s just got to knuckle down and get on with it.
“He was reckless, he understands that. He hesitated and was in two minds whether he should go for the challenge, but he’s caught him. It’s part and parcel. We see it every week and players get injured, though none of us want to see it.
“One of the great players in the world (Gareth Bale) could have had a red card one minute before it, but thankfully it wasn’t as bad on John O’Shea.”