It’s not as if Greg Taylor has never been thrown into a hostile environment against elite players before. The Celtic full-back notched his one and only Scotland cap, to date, against the number one ranked team in the world – Belgium – back in June.
Taylor, then at Kilmarnock, was a last gasp replacement for talisman Andy Robertson who had picked up an injury in the lead-up to the game. The youngster slotted in effortlessly and, despite losing 3-0 to the Red Devils, earned the acclaim of his manager Steve Clarke.
“He didn’t surprise me,” said the Scotland boss after the game. (Sunday Post)
“I worked with Greg for 18 months and I knew he was ready. I thought his performance was excellent from start to finish.
“It was a big ask for him but I know his temperament, I know his character.”
Taylor didn’t look out of place against the all-stars of Belgium
Clarke clearly realised that Taylor was up to the challenge after working with him for the best part of two years at club level. Neil Lennon hasn’t had the same amount of time to analyse his fresh recruit but the fact he shelled out £2.2million just a couple of months ago says he rates him highly.
Taylor may only have featured in one game out of a possible 12 since joining but his Scotland exploits prove he could still do a job this Thursday against Lazio.
Boli Bolingoli’s injury means that it will likely be either Taylor or Irishman Jonny Hayes – who isn’t a natural full-back. Something the Aberdeen man has over his position rival though is the trust of his manager.
Hayes is adored by Lennon and given an opportunity in most matches. Taylor, on the other hand, still has a way to go in his manager’s eyes. But his performance when thrown in from the cold for Scotland shows he can earn that trust.
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