Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew doesn't want to rush Steven Taylor's return from Achilles injury.

The defender has made rapid progress in his recovery.

Pardew told the Evening Chronicle: "He's out of the boot, and we really hope he'll make pre-season. It's still a long haul for him to get back from that injury."

Taylor had hoped to be back for Newcastle's last game of the season against Everton on May 13, but Pardew doesn't believe he has a chance of making it.

The former Crystal Palace midfielder simply said: "I don't think so."