Greg Taylor could have a big opportunity with Celtic tonight

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It’s probably fair to say that Greg Taylor’s Celtic career hasn’t started the way he would’ve planned.

He’s now over two months into his time here and has still only made one appearance for the club. Taylor signed from Kilmarnock for an undisclosed fee (Daily Record), but hasn’t been able to nail down the left-back spot. Instead, Boli Bolingoli has been consistently chosen by Neil Lennon to play in Taylor’s position.

But that won’t be the case tonight in Rome. Lennon yesterday ruled Boli out of the match against Lazio tonight (Celtic Twitter). In what’s a crunch Europa League clash between the sides, it’s an undoubted blow to lose our first-choice left-back.

However, it could open a pretty rare door for Taylor to make himself a Parkhead hero.

Getting games against the likes of Ross County or Hamilton respectively is all well and good. But being thrown in against Lazio in Italy is a different matter altogether. Lazio are the top seeds in the group. Playing them away from home is as tough as it gets.

If Neil goes for Taylor over Jonny Hayes tonight – what an opportunity he would have to be heralded amongst the Celtic support.

Strong performance in Rome could do wonders for Taylor

Should he start and produce a strong performance that helps us to a result, it will finally give his Celtic career the boost it needs.

This is the level of contest that Celtic players need to show they can hack. Taylor has played in just two Europa League games throughout his career, whilst Boli has pedigree with Rapid Vienna. It’s untested waters for the new recruit.

A positive display tonight will do his career a lot more than a good performance in domestic football could ever do. He’s been selected in Celtic’s Europa League squad (UEFA). Therefore, Lenny clearly rates him and believes he can do a job in this competition.

It’s important, of course, to not forget that Hayes could also still come into the mix. The Irishman has Europa League experience under his belt, and has been the most used substitute for Celtic this season.

It’s hardly inconceivable that he starts instead. Although, if the Celtic manager went down that route, it wouldn’t reflect well on Taylor’s position.

But should Lennon select Taylor, there’s no point dwelling on the negatives. Yes, he’s only made one appearance. Yes, he’s untested at this level. But if you sign for Celtic, these are the games you have to be ready for. And if Taylor starts, what a huge opportunity it would be for him to thrust himself into the hearts of the Hoops’ supporters.