Newcastle utility man Ryan Taylor is heading for the United States for career-saving surgery.

The 28-year-old is going to Denver, Colorado to attend the clinic of renowned knee specialist Dr Richard Steadman after suffering a second anterior cruciate ligament injury of the season.

Taylor revealed his imminent departure via his Twitter account.

He tweeted: “All ready for my long flight to Denver.

“Loads asking am I going to see Dr Steadman? I sure am. I’m over to have my ACL repaired again. Then the recovery begins to get back.”

Taylor has managed only two senior appearances this season after damaging his cruciate ligament for the first time in the Europa League qualifier second-leg clash with Greek side Atromitos at St James’ Park on August 30.

The former Wigan player had surgery which left him facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

However, eight months later, he was on the verge of making a comeback when disaster struck again in training.

As a result, he is likely to miss most, if not all, of the 2013-14 season.

Taylor is the latest Newcastle player to call upon the services of Dr Steadman.

The surgeon is credited with saving Alan Shearer’s career and operated on Craig Bellamy before reconstructing Michael Owen’s knee after the injury he suffered on England duty at the 2006 World Cup finals.