Celtic fans will be in a positive frame of mind following consecutive away victories over Hibernian and St Mirren last week.
Brendan Rodgers has now led his side to eight wins in nine fixtures across all competitions, which has helped to generate some momentum despite the general level of performance not always hitting the mark.
Nevertheless, grinding out results is the hallmark of a successful side, and the Bhoys lead the form guide in the Scottish Premiership over the last six matches, with 16 points accumulated [Football Webpages].
In the Scottish Cup yesterday, Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda delivered the goods on a day when Celtic looked much more like their old selves.
Of course, Rodgers freshened things up by fielding Furuhashi just in behind Adam Idah, allowing the 29-year-old an extra yard or two of freedom to make things happen.
Tactical flexibility will give the Hoops a licence to change things if they are struggling to break down opposition defences, which can only be a good thing in the context of the title race.
Brendan Rodgers says Celtic’s Greg Taylor will soon be available
Rodgers was in an understandably cheerful mood post-match after his side comfortably swept away St Mirren to reach the last eight of the Scottish Cup.
The Irishman also moved to let one important detail into circulation by detailing that Greg Taylor will be available to take on Kilmarnock this weekend as he completes his recovery from a calf strain.
Rodgers stated [Viaplay]: “Greg Taylor has been a big miss for us. Someone like Greg it’s only when he’s out of the team that you see what he brings.
“His brightness, his cleverness, his technique, his physicality in terms of his running and into the right areas. He’s back training, and he’ll be available for next weekend.”
Greg Taylor has been a big miss for Celtic
Alexandro Bernabei has come in to take Taylor’s place, and his improvement has slowly started to take shape; nevertheless, his positional counterpart is still clearly Rodgers’ preferred left-back choice.
The Scotland international has made 30 appearances in all competitions this campaign, registering two goals and two assists [Transfermarkt].
Bringing Taylor back into the fold will help provide some structure and control to attacking phases of play. Moreover, Bernabei’s emergence may challenge him for the slot between now and the remainder of the campaign.
Having two players fighting for starts can only be a positive at Parkhead, as both will be expected to push each other all the way to earn regular minutes.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
