Alistair Johnston reckons ‘it must be difficult’ for Greg Taylor knowing that Kieran Tierney will return to Celtic in the summer…
The Arsenal defender signed a pre-contract with his boyhood club last month and will rejoin Celtic six years after moving to North London for a then club record sale of £25m.
Rodgers has repeatedly stated that he wants Taylor to remain at Celtic
Meanwhile, Taylor, who has featured 34 times for the Hoops this season is out of contract in June and is currently free to speak to any clubs over a summer move. The 27 year-old’s non-committal status has thrown uncertainty over whether or not he will be a Celtic player next campaign despite Brendan Rodgers’ public desire to keep Taylor at the club.
‘Greg’s someone who often gets overlooked’
Speaking to Daily Record, Celtic’s right-back Alistair Johnston has had his say on Taylor and Tierney’s situations: “I won’t speak for him, but it must be difficult knowing KT’s coming in the summer,” the Canadian said.
“Greg’s someone who often gets overlooked but who helps us do so much with his ability to come inside and impact the play. If this is his last year, he’ll be seriously missed on and off the pitch. But you can understand that he wants to play every week and with Kieran coming back that’s maybe not going to happen. Whatever happens, though, he’ll always give his best for the club, and we should back him for that.”
Jeffery Schlupp is an option should Taylor decide to leave
Subsequently, Celtic secured the services of Jeffrey Schlupp from Crystal Palace on a deal until the end of the season.
Schlupp, who is out of contract at Palace in the summer could become a permanent Celtic player should Taylor depart for pastures new. It remains to be seen who Rodgers opts for tomorrow night at the Allianz Arena given Jeffrey Schlupp has started the Hoops’ past two domestic outings.
Schlupp is a free agent in the summer
Schlupp is a free agent in the summer as his deal at Crystal Palace comes to an end and if a financial package can be agreed, could interest Brendan Rodgers in terms of a permanent contract, should Greg Taylor leave the club at the end of the season as he contract expires.
Conor Spence
