Premier League: Alan Pardew says Newcastle's Ryan Taylor to return in three to four weeks

Alan Pardew has revealed that Ryan Taylor could return to first-team action with Newcastle in three weeks.

The 30-year-old was withdrawn in the first half against QPR last weekend on what was his first start for 32 months.

Taylor underwent an MRI scan on his knee after limping off at Loftus Road but could feature for his side again before the end of the year.

The Newcastle defender looked visibly upset as he went off but tweeted after the game that there was no major problem.

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“We think he will be back to training in three to four weeks so really good news for Ryan, really good news for us and good news for our fans because they were all upset as we were with his withdrawal last week. It wasn’t as bad as we feared and that’s some positive news.”

It was initially feared that Taylor would face another lengthy spell on the sidelines, but Pardew confirmed the news is a lot more positive.

“Yeah of course, because Ryan worked so hard to come back, two cruciates and a broken leg he has had in his career, we don’t want him to suffer another major injury but as I said there’s no bad news there. That’s all good news.”

Meanwhile, the Magpies boss admits he is surprised by his side's form which has seen them win five games in a row.

Ahead of Saturday's game with West Ham, he said: "It has surprised me some of the football we have played.

"We've been really strong, really consistent and not given much away so hopefully we can continue that.              

"West Ham's a tough place to go. They are just below us, one point, and probably did the best transfer business in the summer that took their team forward massively."