Greg Taylor has always known that his opportunities to represent his country would be limited, given the fact that two world class talents in the shape of Scotland captain Andy Robertson and his Celtic predecessor at left back, Kieran Tierney, stand in his way.

But that makes the chances he does get to pull on the dark blue all the more special, with the thrill of even being in the squad something he never takes for granted.

His name was among those called up by Scotland manager Steve Clarke for the upcoming friendlies against The Netherlands and Northern Ireland next week as preparations ramp up for the European Championships, and having savoured being part of the last Euros, he is desperate to be involved again.

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In fact, Taylor still recalls clearly where he was when the text came through informing him that he was to be part of the squad for Scotland’s first major tournament in over two decades last time around, and he is hoping his form for Celtic will see him receive a similar text in the coming weeks.

"It would mean everything to be on that plane, of course,” Taylor said.

"I was lucky enough to be in the last Euros squad in 2021. I didn't play but I was there and it's a massive honour when you get that text through and realise you are going.

"It was really special, and you want to have that again, but you understand it's not fully in your control.

"The text was from Frank Reilly, who was involved with Scotland at the time. I remember I was in London, and I knew it was around then we would find out.

"I was outside Buckingham Palace with the missus and the text came through. It was probably relief more than anything but there was also pure joy.

"There weren't big screams. It was relief but I think my partner was a bit shocked, saying, 'What's going on there?'

"I was off to the Euros and I still have the text. It said, 'Hi guys, congratulations, you are all included in the Scotland squad to be announced by Steve Clarke at 2pm today. I will send the itinerary out shortly.' That is how I found out.

"I always want to be involved in the Scotland games and this one is no different. Of course, we know that this one is the last camp before the Euros. It's a chance to impress if given the opportunity.

"All I can do is do my best in every game for Celtic and if that's enough to be on the plane for Scotland, then brilliant. If it's not, then so be it.

"I have understood since coming through from the 21s that the opportunities for me in my position are going to be limited.

"I have 13 caps already and I have loved every one of them. I never take it for granted as it has been difficult.

"When I get the chance, I always try to do my best for my country and we will see where it takes me come the summer.”

Taylor has enough to contend with on club duty at the moment before he lets his mind drift to the summer though, and he admits Celtic are now at the stage where any slip up could be fatal as they look to retain their Premiership crown.

“We are probably at the stage where you know you need to be almost perfect in the league if you want to have success,” he said.

“There is such a short time to go but it’s a good pressure, isn’t it? A club this size demands winning, and winning in a certain way.

“That is what we are going to try to do for the rest of the season.

“We have had injuries this year but that has also happened in other seasons. In the last few years we have had injuries and suspensions, and whatever.

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“Lots has gone on this season but that’s part of a title race.

“It’s not going to be plain sailing the whole way and this one has been no different.

“They are all hard, regardless of points totals. It’s never easy to win a league and this one has been no different to the others I have been involved in.

“It’s always difficult and I never take winning them for granted. To win any trophy for this club is a major honour.

“We want to do that in the last two competitions we are in.”