HOPEFULLY the increased media exposure that Celtic have been giving to Greg Taylor is an indication that he’ll be the in the starting eleven this afternoon as Celtic begin their first match of the decade against Partick Thistle in the Scottish Cup at Firhill in the 5.30pm kick-off.
Earlier this week The Celtic Star, in our article The Taylor Report, called for the former Kilmarnock full-back to be given his opportunity to prove he should be the successor to Kieran Tierney in the Celtic team.
And with Celtic heading down to Rugby Park in midweek with the three points absolutely essential, starting a player who is a ‘plastic pitch’ specialist is surely a ‘o-brainer’?
Celtic of course have already shipped three points on the plastic this season, on that pitiful defeat at Livingston on 6 October. There can be no repeat of that error and with Taylor playing on a pitch he is well-used to as an ex-Killie star, we’d be much more confident about our prospects heading down the A77 on Wednesday evening.
Neil Lennon spoke to the media as usual yesterday ahead of today’s game and the re surely is a clue in the fact that the player Celtic put up to speak to the media was Greg Taylor.
It’s the Scottish Cup today and after being cup-tied for Celtic’s successful defence of the League Cup last month – with a 1-0 victory over the Rangers at Hampden – Taylor is now eligible to start in this tournament.
“It was frustrating being cup-tied. It was tough watching. But the boys are winners and got there in the end,” Taylor said, looking back to the Hampden Final where Christopher Jullien got the only goal of the game to give Celtic a fourth successive league cup final win.
Now though he’s looking ahead to the Scottish Cup and the chance to make it four wins in a row in this cup competition.
“I’d love to play against Partick Thistle, if selected,” Taylor admitted. “You want to be involved as much as possible.
“The aim for the next few months is nailing down a place in the team. It’s been hard not playing but it’s to be expected at a club like this with more competition.
“When I came in the boys were doing well and winning. You have to swallow it as much as you want to be playing.
“If an opportunity arises though I hope to take it with both hands.”
Here’s Greg Taylor talking to the media yesterday…
And some feedback to what the left back has been saying…
“Really bright lad and has a wee nasty edge about him too. Similar to Jackie Mac at that age. Lazy, lazy excuse for journalism though, most of the questions they ask these kids are tired old ‘Colin Nish’, the majority are weans absolutely buzzin’ to be pro players at a top club so lighten the mood and make these more entertaining for the players & supporters,” Moravcik 25 complained.
“I hope Greg gets a run in the team. He did nothing wrong when he has started for Celtic and could be the final replacement for KT. A strong character and he never shirks a tackle,” Joseph Maxwell stated.
“Greg will get his chance soon and will be a permanent fixture next season. Stick in wee man,” Macanders1888 predicted.
“Speaks really well and down to earth. Would like to see him get a run in the team. Hasn’t put a foot wrong since coming in the door. Good luck Greg,” Mark S stated.
ALSO ON THE CELIC STAR THIS MORNING…
‘He is strong, technically very good and quick across the ground,’ Lenny on ‘Little Bull’ Soro…see HERE.
Neil Lennon on Leigh Griffiths and the speculation and controversy that has surrounded the Celtic striker this week…‘So Griff may start against Thistle and I think he’d like to stay here,’ Lenny ends Griffiths speculation …see HERE.
David Turnbull talks openly about the nightmare he’s endured after discovering he needed a major operation on his knee while going through what everyone that was the formality of his medical ahead of his £3million plus transfer to Celtic last summer.
‘It was horrible. After the operation I couldn’t even lift my leg,’ David Turnbull’s knee op nightmare…see HERE.
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