Celtic supporters will start the week with a smile after the Bhoys’ comfortable victory over Hibernian yesterday in the Scottish Premiership.
Easter Road is always a difficult venue to emerge victorious from, Brendan Rodgers knows that story too well. Yesterday was only his second victory in Leith, but it was delivered in a fashion that lends credence to the notion that something has shifted within his squad this season.
Apart from that, fans’ desire to see new additions enter the fold at Celtic is growing. Beneath the surface, Greg Taylor’s contract situation also remains unresolved, another errand that swiftly requires a solution.
The Scotland international has less than a year left on his deal. By circumstance, he is free to begin speaking to clubs in January, which has left the left-back position feeling a little more problematic than usual.
With silence ensuing on his situation, the 26-year-old continues to impress as Rodgers’ first and only choice in that area of the field, serving as a reminder of his value as part of the Celtic side.
Greg Taylor issues Celtic contract reminder
Before the inevitable talk about potential upgrades and the scope for Rodgers to address the position in the transfer market, my point is this: Celtic have one left-back as things stand, and there hasn’t exactly been an abundance of transfer links with another this window if I’m being frank.
Yesterday, Taylor issued a timely reminder of his qualities against Hibernian. He created three chances for his teammates and made 14 passes into the final third, bettered only by Liam Scales [Fotmob].
His importance in build-up play goes under the radar; he sometimes doesn’t get the credit for his offensive exploits that he deserves.
Competition at left-back is an absolute necessity for Celtic. At times last season, we saw Anthony Ralston take up the role while Taylor was withdrawn alongside a brief run in the team for Alexandro Bernabei. Neither of whom passed the eye test as a compelling option.
Rodgers has insisted that he wants Taylor tied down to an extension. The Irishman has even held talks with his agent and ‘really’ wants him to commit his future at Parkhead.
With the lack of numbers in his position, it would be sensible for the club to deal him in and also bring in another body during the final weeks of the window.
Celtic may be taking one priority at a time
I am merely speculating here, but Celtic may be focusing on their transfer window priorities first and foremost before dealing with Taylor’s contract situation.
Last summer, we saw a slew of extensions announced late into the market period or after its conclusion. This trend continued into January when Cameron Carter-Vickers signed on the dotted line near the deadline.
Time is of the essence for Celtic to bolster the squad. You get the impression there could be mass movement in the final weeks of transfer activity as players start to become available more widely.
Nevertheless, the lack of depth at left-back isn’t a situation that can be taken for granted; Celtic can’t afford to play games with the future of their only senior player on that side of the rearguard.
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