Brendan Rodgers told Celtic first-team player ‘isn’t Champions League quality’

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Celtic face a crunch game against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

It will be interesting to see how Brendan Rodgers approaches the match because goals are required in the second-leg playoff encounter.

Bayern Munich beat Celtic 2-1 last Wednesday night at Celtic Park and now destiny is in their hands.

Many have spoken about the space Harry Kane was given from a corner for what is currently the decisive goal of the tie.

But it was rising star and former Crystal Palace winger, Michael Olise, who opened the scoring with a brilliant curling effort that was too hot to handle for Kasper Schmeichel.

The man who was unfortunate to allow Olise to cut onto his left foot and showcase his talents is Greg Taylor.

And Celtic’s starting left-back has done nothing but divide opinion all season long, whether it has been right or wrong.

READ MORE: Stiliyan Petrov states if Greg Taylor or Jeffrey Schlupp should start for Celtic at Bayern Munich

Brendan Rodgers told Greg Taylor ‘isn’t Champions League quality’ for Celtic

It adds fuel to the fire that Kieran Tierney will be re-joining Celtic in the summer and Taylor is out of contract.

But it was suggested by a Celtic fan on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard that Taylor ‘isn’t Champions League quality’.

Rodgers has constantly defended Taylor this season and Scott Allan also came to the fullback’s aid.

Allan admitted that, playing in Europe’s elite level competition, could be a ‘step too far’ for some, but he highlighted how Taylor has still put in ‘really good performances’ at home and abroad this season.

“We talk about the Champions League and the level of opposition you are playing, it can be a step too far for some players,” said Allan.

“I think, in terms of physicality, playing against guys like that and with the speed and power that they do have, it’s going to be difficult for Greg Taylor to kind of impose his presence on the game.

“In saying that, you want him to be really tidy on the ball and defend as well as he can. I do feel he gives everything. I just think that doesn’t make you not a good Celtic player. It just means that when you are up at that level of game, against that level of opposition, it might be a step too far and that’s what you are maybe seeing at that level of football with Greg Taylor.

“There have been games in the Champions League, because of the format, where he has been excellent. He’s been a real powerhouse going forward and the ball has been excellent.

“But, when you ask him to come up against the best of the best, sometimes, for some players, it might be a step too far. That doesn’t mean he isn’t good enough to play for Celtic. He has shown that over the years. He has put in some really good performances. Domestically and the Champions League.”

Taylor’s stats in the Champions League

Alex Valle was the man challenging Taylor this season, but his loan from Barcelona was cut short and he has signed joined FC Como in Italy.

That resulted in Celtic signing Jeffrey Schlupp until the end of the season and many want the on-loan Crystal Palace star to start in Munich.

But Taylor has been a constant for Celtic in Europe this term.

You presume that Taylor will be leaving at the end of the season because if he had signed a new deal, then it would have happened by now.

Ideally, it would be great to have Taylor stay on because that left-sided fullback spot would be packed with quality, but it’s looking unlikely as the weeks pass by.