Tadic sad to miss chance to tackle Taylor

DUSAN Tadic says he’s gutted Neil Taylor is missing Wales’ clash in Serbia – because he wants revenge for breaking his nose.

And he claimed the incident in the side’s last clash was an example of how Chris Coleman’s side “love’”their “rough” way of playing.

Tadic was left bloodied after a stray high boot from the Wales fullback caught the Southampton star in the face during November’s clash between the sides in Cardiff.

The 28-year-old received lengthy treatment after the incident, which sparked exchanges between players, but he carried on to help Serbia snatch a point through Aleksandar Mitorvic’s late leveller.

Though Tadic initially played down the clash, it left his family fuming with father Petar saying: “It is hard to watch your child lying in a pool of blood” while his grandsons “wanted to go to Wales and beat up Taylor”.

The Saints man was left having to wear a protective mask when he returned to Premier League duty having earned praise from Serbia fans for carrying on through injury. “We don’t have so many facilities in Serbia and everything for young players, but what they teach you in Serbia is to be tough,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter what happens, whether you broke your leg or something else, you know you need to fight for your team.”

But it appears Tadic was keen not to let the incident lie after claiming he didn’t get an apology from the then Swansea City man.

And he was eying up getting one back on Wales and Taylor this weekend – only for the defender’s ban to spoil his plan.

Aston Villa ace Taylor is serving the first of a two-game suspension for his sending off in the 0-0 draw with Ireland in March, the challenge that broke Seamus Coleman’s leg.

Tadic told Serbian reporters: “Honestly, I’m sad that Taylor (is missing), I would love to play him.

“I did not get an apology.”