The real reason Jeffrey Schlupp started ahead of Greg Taylor for Celtic vs Dundee United

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Jeffrey Schlupp got his second start for Celtic in the win against Dundee United.

Celtic cruised to a win after seeing off Dundee United in a routine victory at Celtic Park that didn’t see Jim Goodwin’s side put up anything against the defending Scottish champions.

The 3-0 win has increased the gap to Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership table to 16 points after goals from Callum McGregor, Jota and Adam Idah ensured Celtic saw off Dundee United with ease.

However, Brendan Rodgers made a number of changes to the Celtic starting lineup as he handed new January loan signing, Jeffrey Schlupp his first league start since joining the club in the winter window..

And explaining his decision to bench Greg Taylor, the Celtic manager praised Schlupp’s attributes as one of the determining factors in giving the nod to the 32-year-old left-back to start against Dundee United.

• READ MORE: Michael Stewart has ‘some uncomfortable truths’ for Rangers fans about the gap to Celtic

Brendan Rodgers shares why he started Jeffrey Schlupp for Celtic vs Dundee United

Rodgers told Celtic TV, “Yeah, just coming in and training with the guys and understanding how we play and how we work, he’s picking it up all the time.

“He started last week, he’s come into some games and it’s just about building Jeffrey’s fitness as well.

“He’s very athletic, he’s got a great left foot and he’s been given a chance. We have changed both fullbacks because they are very important in how we play so it’s good to get him another start.”

The stats behind Jeffrey Schlupp’s strong performance for Celtic vs Dundee United

Schlupp was one of the best players on the park in Celtic’s win over Dundee United and was also unlucky not to score on his home league debut.

So with that in mind, here is the Celtic defender’s overall stats from the game by Fotmob.

Jeffrey Schlupp’s solid Celtic performance vs Dundee United

• Rating: 7.4
• Minutes played: 71
• Total shots: 1
• Accurate passes: 57/62 (92%)
• Chances created: 1
• Hit woodwork: 1
• Touches: 79
• Touches in opposition box: 1
• Accurate long balls: 3/4 – (75%)
• Tackles won: 1/3 – (33%)
• Clearances: 1
• Defensive actions: 4
• Ground duels won: 4/5 – (80%)
• Aerial duels won: 2/4 – (50%)

So there is plenty to like about these stats and some things to work on for the defender but considering it’s only his third appearance in the green and white Hoops, the Celtic fans have a lot to like about Schlupp already.