Greg Taylor’s masterful showing against Kilmarnock might not have come with fanfare, but it was a timely reminder of just how valuable he remains to Celtic, especially with Kieran Tierney waiting in the wings.
As Tierney prepares for his Parkhead return in the summer, having signed a pre-contract deal, Taylor’s future hangs in the balance.
Brendan Rodgers seems resigned to losing the left-back, who has reportedly turned down multiple contract offers without yet reaching a new agreement with the club.
Taylor’s role in Celtic’s attacking rhythm against Killie was critical. Sharp, aggressive, and intelligent in the inverted role, he stood out with his quality. His understanding of Celtic’s structure is second nature now, and it showed.
“Taylor at all, he’s so good at playing that inverted, and he is coming in the midfield,” Paul Slane explained on Open Goal. “That’s where maybe Schlupp isn’t that good, and with Tierney coming in, that’s why you would love to keep Greg Taylor because he’s such an important player, he really understands that role to a tee.”
The arrival of Tierney naturally raises the question: can both co-exist in the squad? Tierney, still a fan favourite and an elite full-back, will be expected to start the marquee matches—Europe and derbies. But Taylor’s consistency in domestic competition offers a compelling case for rotation, if not outright competition.
“Johnson doesn’t really invert. I think it’s a good thing to have [someone who can play inverted and Tierney]. But it’s just whether Greg Taylor would be happy. You see the bigger games that may Europe and Rangers and stuff, and you would imagine KT would be your number one left back. Would he be happy with that? I don’t think so.”
Whether Taylor accepts a supporting role remains to be seen but one thing is certain, will lose a dependable performer if he walks out the door and will need to dip into the market this summer to replace him.
