Bernabei has given Brendan food for thought ahead of Taylor’s return

Great to see Taylor back, but Bernabei has given Brendan much needed food for thought…

It’s been confirmed by the Celtic manager that Greg Taylor is fit again and available for selection for this weekend’s clash with Kilmarnock at Celtic Park.

Celtic v Kilmarnock – cinch Premiership – Celtic Park Celtics Greg Taylor celebrates scoring his sides third goal during the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park, Saturday October 7, 2023. Photo Jane Barlow

“Greg Taylor has been a big miss for us. With someone like Greg, it’s only when he is out the team you see what he brings. His brightness, his cleverness, his technique his physicaity in terms of running into the right areas but’s he’s back training and he’ll be available for next weekend,” Brendan Rodgers

That is great news because for all the criticism Greg Taylor receives, he’s still a very important part of the squad. He’s depended, reliable and he does his job with a minimum of fuss.

7th February 2024 Easter Road, Scottish Premiership Hibernian versus Celtic Alexandro Bernabei of Celtic on the ball Photo Action Plus Vagelis Georgariou

That said, the recent resurgence in form of Alexandro Bernabei who stood in for Greg in his absence has left Brendan Rodgers with a bit of a headache, but a welcome one at that. Bernabei has played the last three matches and although he looked a little lost at first, he slowly but surely picked up the pace and after playing reasonably well at Easter Road, he followed that up with a decent showing against St Mirren yesterday. There is a trend there as he gets some much needed game-time having played very little football this season.

Hibernian v Celtic – Alexandro Bernabei of Celtic during the cinch Scottish Premiership match between Hibernian and Celtic at Easter Road on 7 February 2024. Photo Malcolm Mackenzie PSI

It just shows what a run of games can do for a players confidence. He’s just needed game-time, something he hasn’t had since he joined the club just over 18 months ago. It’s quite a turnaround as he looked surplus to requirements and seemed certain to be heading out on loan in the January transfer window. Now he’s going to be playing an important part in our bid for league and cup glory.

The big question is, will he retain his place now that Taylor is back? Brendan Rodgers is the man tasked with that decision, so it’s all down to him. We will see come Saturday afternoon and my prediction is Taylor will get an hour before being replaced by Bernabei.

Looking forward to this game already!

Just an Ordinary Bhoy