The Greg Taylor silver lining for Celtic as safety-first stance could hold Champions League carrot

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Celtic defender Greg Taylor missed out on Sunday as the Bhoys left it late in Dingwall to record a dramatic 2-1 victory against Ross County.

The Scotland international was withdrawn against Borussia Dortmund last week and was replaced by Alex Valle, who kept his place last weekend.

Brendan Rodgers gave an update on Greg Taylor’s Celtic fitness post-match, stating: “Greg will just have to wait and see. On that, I thought young Alex Valle had done well today.

“Especially in the second half, his positioning was a little bit better. But Greg, we hope he’ll be back. If he’s not for Aberdeen, then not long after that.”

Since then, Taylor has been ruled out of Scotland’s squad for their upcoming Nations League double-header against Croatia and Portugal [BBC Sport].

With Celtic’s Champions League clash against Atalanta visible in the distance, all parties appear to be taking a common-sense approach.

Greg Taylor’s importance to Celtic can’t be diced with

Valle’s emergence at left-back has been positive for Celtic. However, Taylor’s importance under Rodgers can’t be diced with amid a crucial run of fixtures for the Bhoys on the other side of the international break.

Keeping that in mind, it makes sense for the former Kilmarnock man to take a rest while Scotland are in action. In all likelihood, it is hard to imagine he would’ve played over Andy Robertson, but Steve Clarke clearly has trust in the 14-cap international as a squad member.

Casting your eye over Celtic’s upcoming challenges, it would be ideal if Taylor’s period of recuperation could lead him to become available against Atalanta on October 23rd, in line with Rodgers’ comments on his potential return timeline.

Making ten appearances this campaign, the Greenock-born defender has already claimed three assists alongside striving in his inverted role by helping to flood the midfield in possession.

What Valle has in youthful exuberance and athleticism, Taylor has in experience and keeping a cool head, which is why the Bhoys are determined to tie him up on a new contract.

Greg Taylor’s Celtic contract situation is still unresolved

Despite speculation being widespread on his future, Celtic are no closer to solving Taylor’s contract situation.

While he continues to perform on the pitch, there is little information in the public domain on whether he will remain in Glasgow beyond next summer.

Hopefully, quiet negotiations are going on in the background. It would be a shame for Celtic to run the risk of losing someone who has played a critical part in their recent success.

For now, the focus is Taylor’s recovery from injury, where he at least has the international break to get up to speed ahead of club football’s resumption.