Wales' Chris Coleman defends Taylor after horrific challenge

Chris Coleman insists Neil Taylor isn't the "type of boy" to produce a deliberately dangerous tackle after he broke the right leg of Ireland's Seamus Coleman on Friday.

Wales recorded a 0-0 draw in the World Cup qualifier in Dublin, but it was an occasion marred by full-blooded challenges. Gareth Bale was fortunate not to see red after going in studs-up on John O'Shea, then moments later Shane Long was consoling Everton right-back Coleman following Taylor's reckless tackle.

"I don't want to see players suffering serious injury, but it's a contact sport," Wales boss Coleman told The Telegraph's Luke Edwards. "He's not that type of boy because he has also suffered a serious injury."

Taylor suffered a long-term ankle injury in a tangle with then-Sunderland midfielder Craig Gardner in 2012, rendering him unavailable for Swansea City duty for 39 matches.

When addressing the Bale lunge - one that could be deemed a desperate, yet rash, attempt to convert a bouncing cross - the national team gaffer believes it has garnered greater attention due to it coming from the Real Madrid star. The yellow card did mean grave implications for Wales, however, with the forward now suspended for Sunday's vital trip to Serbia.

"I think we are making a bigger deal out of it because it's Gareth Bale," Coleman said. "It was a physical game, there were tackles flying in all game. I don't want to see anyone sent off, but there are tackles flying in everywhere, some from Ireland's boys, some from our boys."

Following the contentious clash at the Aviva Stadium, Wales is a disappointing four points adrift of Group D's top two for UEFA World Cup qualification, while Ireland shares 11 points with Serbia, but is in the playoff position courtesy of an inferior goal difference to the Eagles.