Wrexham's Taylor ready for midfield role against Bury
Published Date:
14 March 2008
NEIL TAYLOR is more than happy to come to Brian Little's rescue and continue in the centre of midfield against Bury tomorrow at The Racecourse (3pm).
The left-wing back was recalled to the Wrexham squad for Tuesday's trip to Wycombe Wanderers and with the Reds 2-0 down at the break, took to the pitch as substitute for the second half in a midfield role.
Taylor impressed alongside Chris Llewellyn, and the Wales under 21 international said he would play anywhere if it meant getting a starting place.
"It was good playing in the centre again," said Taylor today. "I played there a couple of times when I was younger but I was shifted out to the left of defence the last few years.
"I enjoyed it. I like getting about and I was happy with my performance.
"I am more than happy to play there again. With the size of the squad we've got, I would play in goal if I was asked to!
"You can't pick and choose. You will play anywhere to just to get a start. Wherever the gaffer wants me to play I will do."
Wrexham eventually lost 2-1 at promotion challenging Wycombe but the Reds put behind them a poor opening period and dominated after the interval, with leading scorer Michael Proctor pulling a goal back.
And Taylor said Wrexham have to put Tuesday's result behind them and target victory against Bury in the battle to avoid relegation: "I think everyone did better second half," he added.
"All three substitutes who came on did well and the players already on the pitch all got into it.
"Everyone came through, we were just disappointed we did not get anything out of the game.
"The second half was encouraging but we can't have a repeat of the first. We have got to get Tuesday out of the way now.
"We've got to go out all guns blazing tomorrow and hopefully win.
"We have got to look to win as we are at home to Bury, and the stage of the season we are at."
Taylor could come to manager Little's aid as midfielders Neil Roberts (ankle), Danny Sonner (Achilles) and Jeff Whitley (knee) are all carrying injuries.
The good news is that Whitley has not sustained knee ligament damage, but both he and Sonner are doubtful, and although Roberts did some training yesterday, the Bury game may be to soon for him.
But Little was pleased with Taylor's 45 minute display at Wycombe.
"We have a few problems in the centre of midfield, but we've got a group of players to call on," said Little, who could also call on Silvio Spann or the fit again Mark Jones and Danny Williams.
"One or two people might have to play out of position for a game or two.
"Neil was brilliant there on Tuesday because of his energy and enthusiasm. If he has to play there again, he will do and I know he will give everything.
"If it does not work I won't hold it against Neil because at least he will give it a go."
It was that eagerness in the second half at Wycombe that Little wants to see a repeat of against Bury – and not the sloppy mistakes in the opening period that led to the Reds' falling 2-0 behind.
"We gave two crazy goals away which, we have not done for a while, and we can't let that happen again," said Little.
"If you don't give silly goals away you have got a chance in every game.
"But the response was great. We changed the system slightly and played with energy and enthusiasm. We were on top and unlucky not to get at least a point.
"We have to play against Bury like we did second half with the situation we are in."
Defeat against Wycombe, combined with Macclesfield's win at Dagenham and Redbridge, leaves Wrexham six points from safety although the Reds do have three games in hand on the Silkmen who occupy that vital third from bottom position.
Wrexham entertain a Bury side who have won their last three matches and have begun to climb clear of the danger zone.
"Bury would be a great game for us to win and we have to be focused," added Little, who has defender Steve Evans and striker Rob Duffy (both knee) both sidelined with injury.
Centre-back Gareth Evans, who was brought on for the second half at Wycombe along with Taylor in place of Richard Hope and Phil Bolland, is pushing for a starting place along with midfielder Sam Aiston who had earlier replaced Whitley.
WREXHAM (from): Ward, Spender, Bolland, Hope, Mike Williams, Gareth Evans, Tremarco, Hall, Taylor, Llewellyn, Spann, Aiston, Broughton, Proctor, Nicholson, Anthony Williams.
The full article contains 806 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
-
Last Updated:
14 March 2008 10:51 AM
-
Source:
n/a
-
Location:
Wrexham