Celtic defender Greg Taylor managed to come in from the cold and play a big part in Scotland’s 1-0 win against the Czech Republic last night.
The victory was vital for the Scots due to so many reasons. The main one being that it now puts them top of the Nations League B2 section by four points. They only need two points from their remaining two games to confirm their place as group winners.
What that would offer the country is a chance to make the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. They would go into another playoff system, similar to the one they’re currently involved in for Euro 2020.
The win also ensured momentum flowed in the build-up to their Euro playoff final in Serbia next month. It was Scotland’s third consecutive clean sheet and a third consecutive win – keeping the nation happy and ensuring Steve Clarke received some positive press.
And our man played his part despite not getting the credit he deserves.
Alongside fellow Celtic ace Callum McGregor, Taylor was instrumental at the back in ensuring that the Czechs didn’t force home an equaliser. He ensured that they got minimal joy down his flank, and managed to get himself in the way of some dangerous looking opportunities for Scotland’s foes.
Taylor let nobody down vs Czechs
His ability to read the danger was also evident last night. On several occasions he made the sensible option of simply putting the ball into touch, and always offered himself as an option down the left. There was no hiding from Taylor, who got next to help down the left side whatsoever.
The Celtic man was thrown in after Andy Robertson was suspended and Kieran Tierney was ruled out due to having to self-isolate.
It was only Taylor’s fourth international appearances after previously being thrown in against Cyprus and Kazakhstan over a year ago. He also managed an assist in both of those games – so he’s becoming a consistently reliable figure for Clarke when called upon.
It’s unfair to downplay the difficulty of the task the Celtic left-back was given last night. But even if he wasn’t the flashiest, he gave his all and reminded us all of exactly why he thrived under Clarke in the past with Kilmarnock.
Taylor’s defensive awareness last night was critical, as if he had switched off for even a moment, the Czechs would likely have punished Scotland. Of course, that goes right throughout the national team last night – all of them stood up defensively and played their part.
But let’s not pretend Taylor was out of place. He performed his role splendidly last night, and here’s hoping his confidence is back on the up ahead of a crucial period for the club and a battle with a new positional rival in Diego Laxalt.
In other news, an English club owner has provided a welcome message for Celtic regarding a summer transfer saga.
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