Neil Lennon has stated that Celtic summer signing Greg Taylor is now fully fit.
Taylor managed to take part in three games over the course of the last seven days for both club and country. The left-back started off with a double-header for Scotland against Cyprus and Kazakhstan respectively. He managed to play 90 minutes in both games before returning to Parkhead.
The former Killie man then followed that up with a morale-boosting 40-minute appearance for us yesterday against Livingston. It was only his second outing in a Celtic jersey all season too (Transfermarkt).
His lack of game-time has opened up the idea that he could be struggling for match-fitness. However, speaking in the Daily Record, Lennon confirmed that Taylor is fully fit after recent outings.
“Greg hasn’t been playing here but he’s now had two good international performances under his belt. Some people say they play too much football but the flip side of that is Greg and Nir Bitton, who haven’t had much game time, coming back into our group fully fit, match fit and happy.
“I’m pleased with Greg full stop. I know he’s found it difficult not to be starting but he’s trained well and he’s a good pro so I’m delighted with how things went for him with Scotland. He has a good understanding with James, which comes from working with him every day.
“We’ve got 11 games in this next block so he’ll play. He played against St Mirren. And after these two games for Scotland, that should be him fully up to speed.”
A window of opportunity for Greg?
Lenny didn’t provide the most optimistic update on Jonny Hayes yesterday. Speaking to BBC Scotland, the Hoops boss stated that Hayes may have popped his shoulder, and will be sent for a scan.
Meanwhile, what an opportunity Taylor has been handed. It could be the case that he features against Rennes on Thursday night with both Hayes and Boli Bolingoli still injured. Lennon has yet to provide an update on where Boli’s at just now.
However, if he does miss Thursday night, Hayes has a real chance to get even more game-time under his belt. Should he play against Rennes, it’s also good to know that he won’t do it trying to build up his match-fitness.
Celtic can’t be carrying passengers on Thursday night. Fortunately, Taylor doesn’t look as though he’ll be one. With three games over a seven-day period, he’s finally generating some momentum.
His performance against Livingston yesterday was energetic and positive. He combined extremely well with James Forrest down the left side, and even came close to a goal when he clipped the inside of the post.
We know what we get with both Hayes and Boli. Taylor remains a bit of an unknown given his lack of consistent game-time. Hopefully, he’s finally turned a corner and is ready to seize the chance that looks to have been handed to him.
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