GREG Taylor has admitted that being dropped from the Celtic side has made him a far tougher character – and expressed confidence that every one of his Parkhead team mates has the mental strength needed to bounce back from their slump in form and enjoy a successful season.
Taylor found himself on the bench after Uruguayan international Diego Laxalt arrived in Glasgow on loan from AC Milan back in October and only reclaimed his place earlier this month.
The left back has started in the meetings with Kilmarnock, Hearts and Hamilton in the past fortnight and performed well as Neil Lennon’s men have stretched their winning run to five matches.
Now he is hoping to feature for the quadruple treble winners in their massive Premiership games against Dundee United at Parkhead on Wednesday afternoon and Rangers at Ibrox on Saturday.
“Anytime you’re out the side you’re disappointed, especially when we were on a bad run because you want to see the boys do well and win,” said Taylor.
“Any opportunity you get to play for this club is a massive honour and every time I get the chance to do that I look forward to it. It’s a chance to impress and I leave the rest up to other people.”
Asked if having to force his way back into the Celtic starting line-up had made him a stronger character, he said: “100 per cent. In the tough moments, you see what character all the boys have got. That’s one thing the we’ve got in abundance in this team - lots of character.
“You don’t win 12 trophies on the spin without massive characters. We’re fortunate we’ve got that right through our team. When you’re out of the team, you just have to work that bit harder to get yourself back involved.
“What I’ve done has been no different to the rest of the boys. I train hard every day, as does everyone. If that merits me playing on Wednesday and Saturday, I look forward to the honour and the opportunity.”
Taylor added: “There is competition for places all around the squad. We are fortunate enough to have a management team that fills us with information so every player knows the role he has to perform when he comes into the team, whether it is 10 on the bounce or the odd game.
“It’s important to be flexible. We are fortunate that we know a few systems. There will be different times that you are called upon to play them.”
Lennon played with Odsonne Edouard and Leigh Griffiths in attack on Saturday and they scored Celtic’s opening two goals in their 3-0 victory over Hamilton at the FOY Stadium.
Taylor was particularly impressed with how Edouard, who took his tally for the 2020/21 season to 11 when he won and converted a second-half penalty, performed against Brian Rice’s team.
“I thought he was super, really good,” he said. “I’m sure he’ll be delighted with his goal and overall performance. Odsonne looked right at it and long may that continue.
“It (the Edouard-Griffiths partnership) was important last season for us. They looked good on Saturday. I thought they played well together. I think they enjoy it. We have got lots of strong options, but those two both scored on Saturday so I’m sure they are pleased.”
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