Liverpool defender Andy Robertson is hoping that Celtic left-back Greg Taylor gets game time and plays well for Scotland in the country’s next two matches, The Evening Times report.
The Champions League winner was speaking after having to pull out of upcoming games against Cyprus and Kazakhstan because of injury.
With Kieran Tierney also absent, it leaves Taylor as the most likely starting on the left side of the Scottish defence despite his lack of game time since signing for Celtic and having won only a single prior cap.
Robertson though believes that Taylor showed enough in a match against Belgium to suggest he can step up in his absence, citing the Hoops man’s opportunity as the only positive of having to miss out.
As quoted by The Evening Times, the Liverpool man said: “The only positive is the gaffer will get to look at other players such as Greg Taylor who hasn’t had as much game time as he would have wanted at Celtic, so I hope he gets game time and plays well.
“Greg was unbelievable against Belgium away and is more than capable of filling in that left-back role, and it gives the manager a chance to look at him.
“I wish all the lads all the best but more importantly Greg because he’s a really good young player who is up and coming.”
Chance to convince two managers
When Taylor made his Scotland debut back in June his back was against the wall. He was tasked with coming right into the side and facing a world class Belgium team away from home. Most defenders would struggle with that task.
Despite the team losing 3-0, Taylor impressed, as Robertson notes above.
With Cyprus and Kazakhstan assuredly easier competition than the Belgians, Taylor could have a huge chance to show he can fill in from Scotland’s Premier League left-backs who have had their fair share of squad dropouts over the last 18 months. Clarke knows what he can offer, but proving it on the pitch could be big for his Scotland reputation.
Having only made one appearance for Celtic too, Neil Lennon will likely be an interested observer. If he can perform to a high standard it might lead the manager to trust him a bit more often going forward, currently favouring the unnatural Jonny Hayes as back up for Boli Bolingoli.
If nothing else, he’ll hopefully improve his match fitness. However, it’d be fantastic if Taylor could come through the doubleheader with flying colours.
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