PLAYER PROFILE

Martin Taylor

Position: Defence

Height: 6'4

Weight: 14st 0lbs

Date of Birth: 1979-11-09 Ashington, England

Martin Taylor

Martin Taylor was another product of Blackburn Rovers' youth system who, despite being a strapping centre back, made his debut as a striker - in the Uefa Cup. The young defender made his league debut in the Premiership back in March 1999, but Rovers high quota of defenders has prevented him fully establishing himself in the team.

Despite this, "Tiny" (as he is nicknamed) is a central defender of class and established himself in the first team in 2002/03, making over 40 appearances for the club forming a solid partnership with the experienced Craig Short.

He also managed to net a couple of goals but his real contribution came at the back, and he was a reason for Rovers' UEFA Cup qualification. However, in February 2004, Graeme Souness allowed him to leave for Birmingham City, who signed him on deadline day for £1.25m

In his first full season with the Blues, Taylor struggled to fully impose himself on Steve Bruce's first-team. He played only 9 games.

However the following season he proved himself as one of the club's most valuable players and played a big part in winning promotion to the Premier League.

However the 2007/08 season was one to forget for Taylor as he started just four games and was told that he was surplus to requirements by Alex McLeish.

Taylor was also involved in the horrible incident with Arsenal's Eduardo which broke the Croatian's leg and saw the Birmingham defender villified for his horror tackle.

He recovered from this to play an important role in the club's promotion in 2008/09 and he will be hoping to play a bigger part in the Blue's top flight return.