Taylor: I did apologise to Eduardo

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Taylor, who broke the Brazil-born striker's leg in a challenge in February, insists he twice visited the Selly Oak Hospital where Eduardo was initially treated and would happily do so again.

Taylor told the Mirror: "I went to see him on the Saturday but he was still recovering from an operation so first thing on Sunday morning I went to the hospital again. Although there was a language barrier I just said I had not meant him any harm and that I hoped he made a quick recovery.

"He took it on board and nodded. Since then I have read that he would be happy for me to visit him again. It's something I'd like to do."

It is believed Taylor visited the Croatian while he would have been groggy due to the effects of the painkillers.

Eduardo, who is now able to walk on crutches and who will fly back to his native Rio next month to continue rehabilitation, says he doesn't remember the visits but would accept Taylor's apology.

The horror injury comprised a double compound fracture to his left tibia and fibula as well as an open dislocation of his left ankle and sidelined Eduardo for Croatia's Euro 2008 finals campaign.

But the religious Eduardo said yesterday: "If he comes to me now then I will accept an apology. I am a son of God so I will accept an apology.

"I think he came to the hospital, but I did not see him."

He continued: "My wife told me that he came to see me while I was having the operation and someone pointed out Taylor to her at the hospital. Maybe he was there when I was unconscious but I certainly did not see him that day."

The forward will be invited to join Croatia's squad at the Euro 2008 finals to help boost team morale, manager Slaven Bilic said.

"I want Eduardo there and so do the players, it would also mean a lot to him," Bilic told Croatian media ahead of Wednesday's friendly with Scotland at Hampden Park.

"He has been a driving force on our road to the finals and has a big desire to be a morale-boosting factor during the event but it's up to his club Arsenal of course," Bilic said.