A lot of Celtic fans were left querying one aspect of Neil Lennon’s team selection ahead of their match on Wednesday night.
The Hoops’ official Twitter channel @CelticFC revealed the starting XI for the trip to Tynecastle 75 minutes before kick-off, with the left-back selection a talking point among many supporters.
https://twitter.com/CelticFC/status/1207367514973515777
With Boli Bolingoli omitted after only recently returning from injury, Jonny Hayes was given the nod to start at left-back, with Greg Taylor named among the substitutes as Celtic proceeded to defeat Hearts 2-0.
Hayes has now made five starts at left-back this season, although the Republic of Ireland international has played as a wide midfielder or winger for the majority of his career.
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Meanwhile, Taylor is a natural left-back who was signed from Kilmarnock on deadline day in September but has so far struggled for minutes at Celtic, making just five appearances since his move to Parkhead.
These Hoops fans on Twitter were not best pleased with Hayes being selected ahead of Taylor for the left-back slot when they saw the starting line-up:
Oh my days… Why does Lennon persist with starting Hayes ahead of a very talented natural LB.
Who’s on the left wing then? Who’s been moved out of their natural position to cover LW
Rather have Hayes LW and Taylor LB..
Shoehorning players in has hurt us many times.
— Keith Robertson (@Krobertson5808) December 18, 2019
Taylors a LB just play him – balance the team! Brown/Ntcham & Mcgregor never works
— Andy McKenzie (@andymckenzie7) December 18, 2019
What does Taylor have to do to get a run in the team he’s already shown he’s better than Hayes and given a run he will show he’s better than boli aswel
— danny (@imortalcelt) December 18, 2019
Knew we would regret not signing Taylor as a back up left back…
— seanzolio (@seanzolio) December 18, 2019
Thankfully no Boligoli but why isn’t Taylor playing he’s the best left back at the club by a country mile! Hayes is even worse than Boligoli!!! Cmon Bhoys lets get the 3 points.
— (@7govscott) December 18, 2019
Why is Hayes playing ahead of an actual left back
— steven (@Beaumontbhoy) December 18, 2019
Johnny Hayes. He’s done ok but Taylor every day for me.
— John Duncan (@jlduncan1980) December 18, 2019
Hayes over an acc lb??
— Max Watt (@maxwattt) December 18, 2019
Do you think Taylor should have started instead of Hayes against Hearts? How did you rate Hayes’ performance on the night? Comment below with your views!
