Scotland boss Steve Clarke has praised reliable performer Greg Taylor as the Celtic left-back prepares to start in Tuesday’s crucial match against Ukraine.
The 24-year-old has featured in both the Tartan Army’s victories over Ukraine and the Republic of Ireland. However, both those appearances came off the bench.
Last Saturday, the full-back put in another solid display when replacing the injured Kieran Tierney, which has put Taylor in line to start the second match against Ukraine in Poland to decide the winner of the Nations League group.
Taylor’s performances may come as somewhat of a surprise to Scotland supporters. But, Celtic fans are well aware of the improving left-back.
Continuing on from a strong end to last campaign, Taylor has been one of Ange Postecoglou’s most consistent performers this season and has been heavily praised by his Hoops teammates on several occasions.
Steve Clarke knows Taylor well from his time spent working with the defender as Kilmarnock manager, so it doesn’t come as much of a surprise to him to see his success.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow evening’s game, Clarke was full of praise for the full-back who is expected to replace Kieran Tierney in the starting line-up.
He said [Largs and Millport News]: “Greg’s determination to do well was apparent to me as soon as I walked in the door at Kilmarnock. I know he wants to get better.
“He has moved to a bigger club, he has handled the expectation and pressure of playing at that bigger club, any time I have asked him to perform for the national team, he has done very well.
“So no worries about Greg, and you want that all over the pitch.”
Taylor carrying his momentum from club to international duty is only going to be positive for Celtic.
Over the past 12 months, it has been great to see the progress and improvements that Taylor has made, becoming a valuable player for Ange Postecoglou.
The former Killie man has fully bought into the 57-year-old’s ideas at Parkhead and, ever since the summer of 2021, has been thriving in the left-back spot.
Taylor has also made the position his own, despite significant investment in summer additions such as Alexandro Bernabei.
Now, his impact is also being felt on the Scotland international side, and the full-back could have a huge role to play in Scotland’s hopes of topping their UEFA Nations League group.
Hopefully, he can continue his form and momentum in tomorrow night’s game before returning full of confidence ahead of the domestic return this weekend.
In other news, Full effects of Ange Postecoglou Celtic rebuild continue to be showcased.
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