Steven Taylor

Steven Taylor, the England Under-21 captain, may be ruled out for the rest of the season.

The news would be a severe blow to Newcastle United, whose injury problems in defence could jeopardise their Coca-Cola Championship promotion hopes.

Taylor is understood to have suffered knee ligament damage during the 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion on Monday after a challenge by Roman Bednar, the Czech centre forward.

The extent of the problem emerged after scans and treatment, with Newcastle’s medical staff expressing concern that Taylor’s campaign could be over.

The club are now under further pressure to sign defenders during the transfer window, with only Danny Simpson having been recruited, from Manchester United.