Kieran Tierney left 'buzzing' for Celtic performer; watches him closely and texts every week

By Dave Flanigan

September 22, 2022

Former Celtic star Kieran Tierney has sang the praises of his international teammate and Paradise replacement Greg Taylor, and insists that he’s been cribbing from the former Kilmarnock defender’s playing style.

Taylor was late addition for Celtic in the 2019 summer window to replace the outgoing Tierney, who left for Arsenal in a still-record fee of £25million. The 23-year-old’s aptitude for Ange Postecoglou’s system has led to his predecessor, now said to be worth £50m [Football Scotland], taking notes to improve his own game in a similar system at the Emirates.

As reported by Football Scotland, when asked about Taylor, Tierney said:  “Aye, brilliant. Inverted full-back, that’s how we play down there. I watch him every week, trying to take tips from him.

“It’s brilliant to see him doing so well because he’s a great guy. I’m really close to him, I speak to him a lot. So yeah, I’m buzzing for him.

“We watch each other’s games, always, and text each other as well. It’s a new role for me and it’s a role where he’s really comfortable in. It’s great to watch him and he’s been one of Celtic’s best players this season.”

“Greg just keeps working hard, Greg’s attitude is brilliant. As I say, I’m delighted to see him doing so well. He’s a great guy who deserves all the credit that he’s getting just now.”

The plaudits from a player that many believed Taylor wasn’t fit to replace is just another deserved endorsement for the defender, who also replaced Tierney in Scotland’s impressive 3-0 win over Ukraine last night.

Taylor has been one of the standout players for Postecoglou’s Celtic this campaign, taking his game to a new level after a stellar first season under the Aussie last term.

He has silenced the many doubters who expected him to join the summer exodus that punctuated Postecoglou’s arrival in Glasgow, but Taylor’s positional awareness, passing range and suitability for the inverted full-back role have made him a fixture in the side and an essential cog in the ‘Angeball’ machine.

If Taylor can maintain his form, it’ll go a long way to ensuring that Celtic have yet another success-rich season under Postecoglou.

In other news: Ex-Celtic hero shares details of how squad will be feeling going into break after loss