Celtic’s Greg Taylor is still yet to make his debut.
Celtic boss Neil Lennon has told The Scottish Sun that he’s had a chat with Greg Taylor about his situation with the club.
The Bhoys were in the market for two left backs over the summer, having seen Emilio Izaguirre leave at the end of his contract before selling Kieran Tierney to Arsenal.
Boli Bolingoli arrived from Rapid Vienna, before Celtic landed their second left back on deadline day in September by snapping up Taylor from Kilmarnock.
As a Scotland international who thrived under Steve Clarke last season, some Celtic fans were excited to see the 21-year-old in action after completing his protracted move – but that’s yet to actually happen.
Almost two months since joining the club, Taylor has yet to make his Celtic debut, with his lack of football somewhat strange given how hard the club fought to sign him.
Bolingoli has nailed down the left back spot so far this season, and ahead of the trip to Aberdeen today, Lennon has opened up on the situation.
Lennon has admitted that he’s had to have a chat with Taylor about the situation, telling him that he’s not even making the bench because Jonny Hayes can play both left back and left wing, meaning there’s no point having Taylor in the squad.
Lennon noted that Taylor is training well, and he will get his chance with so many games this season, but urged him to remain patient after a frustrating start to life with the Bhoys.
“Greg has to be patient. We’ve had a chat with him about it and he knows the situation,” said Lennon. “He hasn’t played yet and it’s difficult for him as Boli Bolingoli has come in and been consistent. Greg has not been kicking down doors or anything like that, he’s been training really well and knows his time will come. The fact he’s not in the squad is because he knows we have Jonny Hayes who can double up positions — right wing, left wing or left back. So it’s pointless having one bona-fide left back when you have a player who can factor a couple of positions for you. Greg totally understands that.”
“It’s new to him because he played every week at Kilmarnock. I was a big fan of him when I was managing Hibs. He was excellent over those two years. But he’ll be patient and I am sure that when his chance comes he will take it. Working every day with the players, sports scientists and fitness coaches here will make him better. But I understand there’s a need for him to play and he’ll get that opportunity with so many games coming up,” he added.
It’s somewhat strange for Celtic to have signed Taylor when Lennon seemingly had plans to play Hayes at left back anyway, as the Irishman could have been cover for Bolingoli himself, rather than bring in another left back and still view Hayes as an option there, but hopefully Taylor can be worth the wait for Celtic, Lennon and their supporters.
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