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Nigel Spink suggests Steve Bruce may have to drop Aston Villa star Neil Taylor

Nigel Spink (Reuters)
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The defender was involved in an unsavoury incident on international duty this week.

Wales' Neil Taylor is sent off by referee Nicola Rizzoli

Aston Villa legend Nigel Spink has told BBC Radio WM that Steve Bruce may feel he has to drop Neil Taylor for this weekend’s Championship fixture after the defender’s red card for Wales.

Taylor was shown a straight red in his country’s clash with the Republic of Ireland on Friday for a flying late tackle which broke Seamus Coleman’s leg in two places.

The malice of the challenge has been debated since the 0-0 draw, but the incident and its aftermath will undoubtedly have affected Taylor’s mindset.

The 28-year-old has been a consistent performer for Villa since his arrival from Swansea City two months ago, but Spink believes Bruce may now feel he has to take the left-back out of the firing line.

The European Cup-winning goalkeeper told BBC Radio WM: “I don’t know what type of character Neil Taylor is. But this is going to be on his mind the next time he goes into a tackle, I would think he is going to be cautious.

“Steve Bruce has got a decision to make now and he’ll be assessing it all this week. Assessing his reaction if he’s not right, I don’t think he’ll be playing on Saturday.”

Having to leave Taylor out would be unfortunate for Bruce and Villa, but given the circumstances the experienced manager may feel it is the only wise decision.

Villa do have quality backup on the left side of defence in the form of previous first choice Jordan Amavi, who has often been utilised in midfield this term.

Villa face fellow relegated side Norwich City at Villa Park on Saturday.

Bristol City's Aaron Wilbraham and Aston Villa's Neil Taylor in action