The Premiership kicked off in 1992 with just 11 foreign players but this season's campaign started with 101 players from outside the British Isles.

Taylor believes that, if the increase is not halted, then players of the calibre of Michael Owen will not come through the ranks on British soil.

He explained: "I never expected to see so many nationalities plying their trade in England.

"It's a two-way process because a lot of the players from abroad can vastly improve our youngsters.

"But I just hope they don't block the way for the next generation of Steven Gerrards and Joe Coles of this world.

"We still have to produce players for World Cups and that's why we need youngsters to be given the chance to succeed."

Of the original 11 - Anders Limpar, John Jensen, Andrei Kanchelskis, Peter Schmeichel, Jan Stejskal, Roland Nilsson, Gunnar Halle, Michel Vonk, Eric Cantona, Hans Segers and Craig Forrest - only Schmeichel is still in the top-flight.

And back in 1992 only Arsenal and Manchester United started with more than one foreigner in their ranks.

In stark contrast, the two clubs started with 10 foreigners on day one of the Premiership last weekend.

Taylor, though, believes there are plus points to the foreign influx.

He added: "As long as clubs continue to look to youth as well as foreign imports, then hopefully the game will benefit.

"Obviously the more foreign players who come in, the harder it becomes for the youngsters.

"But any youngster who does make the breakthrough can say he has done it despite the presence of the foreign players.

"It raises the bar and improves quality."