Greg Taylor’s first touch then clinical finish for Celtic’s opening goal against Livingston last night was something any striker would have been proud of producing.
And after scoring earlier in the season against the same opponent, it seems the Celtic left-back, now getting back up to speed after a brief injury hiatus, likes a goal against the West Lothian club’s deep lying defence.
Speaking to Celtic TV after the game Taylor joked: “I’m a wee bit prolific against Livingston, it seems to be. I thought we had good control the whole first-half to be honest – and it was just a matter of time and taking the chance, or having a moment.
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“Once we got that one moment, it made it more difficult for Livingston, because their plan was to frustrate and they had to come out a wee bit more and we had the chance to capitalise on that in the first-half.”
Greg Taylor has become a key component in this Celtic team, and whilst absent through injury it should be noted Celtic have had to replace both full backs in recent games.
Josip Juranovic headed off to Union Berlin – and prior to that himself dealt with an injury picked up on World Cup duty with Croatia.
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That led to Celtic’s inverted full backs being perhaps a little less effective as Alexandro Bernabei – missing once again from the squad last night – remains a work in progress, meanwhile Alistair Johnston was still learning the ropes himself.
With Taylor back in the side the balance in the side looks far better, and Johnston is looking a player who will soon settle in nicely to the attacking demands, as much as the defensive requirements, in this Celtic team.
Add to that, the powerful and athletic Canadian doesn’t seem to mind at touch of footballing dung-housery either, something that is a nice addition to the attributes of this team.
Taylor’s third goal of the season was of the ‘beauty’ variety, but he’s also an important defensive cog, and the clean sheets also keep coming for this Celtic team. That’s just 17 goals conceded this season and the sixth clean sheet on the trot.
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With Taylor back in the team and already up to speed, and with Johnston settling in ever so well on the opposite flank, Celtic look a hard nut to crack for any opposition, as well as having a creative influence and goal threat when they do venture infield. Yet Taylor isn’t for taking the plaudits without sharing the praise.
“A lot of boys are contributing to that. It’s not just the defenders and not just Joe. It’s the whole team – and it starts with Kyogo pressing and then Oh when he comes on. There have been lots of boys contributing to that, so we’re really pleased with that.”
As are we Greg – as are we!
Niall J
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