BESPOKE TAYLOR

Greg Taylor is fitting into Neil Lennon’s plans nicely

- TONY CONNELLY

FOR Greg Taylor, breaking into the Celtic team has been an even greater challenge than earning a move to the Scottish champions. Having worked hard to earn a regular place in the starting XI, Taylor knows he will have to continue making strides forward to ensure he can continue living his dream.

It’s been mentioned so often since the summer transfer window closed, but competition for places in the Celtic team has undoubtedly brought the best out in the squad. The relevance of that adage has by no means dwindled as the months have progressed.

Having a squad comprised of so much talent has given Neil Lennon plenty food for thought, and Taylor has had to work hard in training to stand out in front of his manager. That process has taken time, but Taylor’s resolve has paid off with him now enjoying a run of games in the team.

“It’s been good to get a few more minutes,” said Taylor. “I’ve had a good few games now and long may it continue.

“You might think the hardest thing is to be signed by Celtic, but the hardest part of it all is actually trying to become a regular and nailing down a place.

“This squad is made up of all the best players and there’s competition in all areas of the pitch. It’s important when you get the opportunity to play, that you take your chance.”

Every squad has competition for places to some extent, but that level of competition is on an entirely different level at Celtic. Taylor expected as much when he made the move to join the eight-in-a-row champions in the summer, and he knew that being successful at Celtic would be largely decided by how he performed out on the training pitch each day.

Thankfully, the atmosphere in training is more than conducive to improvement, and Taylor heaped credit on one man for ensuring the standards remain as high as possible at all times.