Newcastle’s Steven Taylor ruled out for three months

Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor is expected to miss the first three months of the new season with a shoulder injury.

The 24-year-old played his first game since March in a pre-season friendly against Carlisle on 17 July, but lasted only 34 minutes before being forced off with a dislocated shoulder.

“It’s a blow for us because it was done early in pre-season, but also for him,” said Newcastle boss Chris Hughton.

“He now has to set his mind on recovery and getting himself back fit.”

This is the second time in Taylor’s career that the defender has suffered a shoulder dislocation.

The blow of losing Taylor, who was allegedly involved in a training ground fracas with team-mate Andy Carroll in March of last year, has been softened by news of the signing of Sol Campbell yesterday.