Steve Harper has praised the professionalism of Hull City new boy Ryan Taylor.

Taylor's time at Newcastle United was ravaged with various injuries but following his release from the club this summer, promotion chasing Hull have decided to take a chance on the versatile 30-year old.

Taylor will now be determined to prove his doubters wrong at the KC Stadium and former Magpies teammate Harper believes that the defender can prove to be a success at Hull as he is not one to ever throw in the towel.

Harper told the Hull Daily Mail: "Ryan is a great lad and a great character to have in the dressing room. He's always positive and that was probably the biggest factor in him coming back from the injuries he's had. It would have been easy for Ryan to give up. The injuries he's had would have broken a lesser man.

"That strength of character was so important in him coming back and it was great to see him back last season. You'd like to think he's due some good luck now, I certainly hope so. He's such a good pro. He never cut any corners in his rehabilitation. It was 100 per cent commitment every day.

"The way he came back last season suggested to me that he's finally over his problems. A one-year deal suits everyone but there's no reason why he can't stay for a lot longer."