Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been consistent in his desire to tie left-back Greg Taylor down to a new deal at Parkhead.
The 27-year-old’s current contract in Glasgow’s east end expires at the end of this season, meaning he is free to speak to clubs about a free transfer next summer in less than a month.
Rodgers, though, is desperate to get Taylor signed up for the long-term at Celtic. He has continually reinstated his wish for the defender to put pen to paper, and that was no more coherent than before the Hoops’ 3-0 win over Hibernian yesterday.
The manager was asked pre-match about the left-back’s contract: “He’s been invaluable,” said Rodgers (BBC Sportsound).
“Just how he plays the game for us, his attitude, mentality. He’s a player I really, really want to try and ensure we can keep here because he offers us so much in so many moments.
“You saw during the week how he settled the game for us, plays the role perfectly how I would want it to [be played].
“He can make those passes in the final third that make the difference, so he’s been good.”
Taylor’s performances and what he brings to the team go under the radar at times.
He was the difference-maker off the bench on Wednesday against Aberdeen at Pittodrie, setting up Reo Hatate for the winner with a sublime, chipped pass. The defender was once more effective yesterday, getting on the ball high up the pitch and wreaking havoc for the opposition with his movement and positioning in the inverted role.
The ex-Kilmarnock man’s desire to sign a new deal with the Scottish Premiership champions remains unclear, but he will be in Rodgers’ long-term plans should he stay.
The next few weeks and months will be key for Taylor’s future.
