Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Celtic: Frank McAvennie in awe of Greg Taylor’s development
Former Scotland striker Frank McAvennie has been hailing the recent upturn in form of Celtic full-back Greg Taylor.
THE LOWDOWN: RISING STOCK
The 24-year-old has taken a somewhat unconventional path to Parkhead stardom. Having started out at the Hoops’ Glasgow arch-rivals, the Greenock-born ace arrived at Celtic from Kilmarnock in 2019.
Since then, Taylor has made 80 appearances for the Bhoys, directly contributing to 17 goals in that time, and he has become a regular feature under Ange Postecoglou this season.
Recently the Scotland international has excelled in a more advanced role, and that improvement hasn’t gone unnoticed…
THE LATEST: MCAVENNIE IMPRESSED BY TAYLOR
Speaking to Football Insider, former Celtic striker McAvennie hailed Taylor’s recent performances.
The 62-year-old gushed: “Taylor’s done fantastic. He’s playing in this system where Ange has him playing almost as a centre-forward at times.
“I’ve never seen anything like it, I can’t get used to it. But that’s where he does his best work, he’s wonderful when he’s up there.
“I’ve always questioned him defensively but he’s been very good recently, there is a reason he plays every game.
“He’s another one who has improved so much this season. I think that position is his now. I just love the fact he gets so high up the pitch. I reckon he enjoys that as well.”
THE VERDICT: IMPRESSIVE CAMPAIGN
There can be no doubt that Taylor has thrived in new-found freedom under Postecoglou in the manager’s preferred 4-3-3 formation, with the energetic Scotsman willing to influence the Premiership title-chasing Bhoys both in attack and defence.
To that end, the six-cap Scotland ace – who possesses impressive passing, tackling and ball retention attributes (WhoScored) – has earned an impressive 6.95 average rating from 20 Premiership outings, creating two big chances and helping his team to keep nine clean sheets in the process (Sofascore).
Will Celtic win the title?
Yes, 100%
I'm not so sure!
At present, Scotland are blessed with top-class left-backs in the shape of Andy Robertson, Aaron Hickey, former Hoops favourite Kieran Tierney and indeed Taylor all vying for a place in Steve Clarke’s side. However, Celtic and Postecoglou will simply be delighted with their own player’s recent domestic form and will welcome this kind of recognition.
In other news, journalist urges Celtic to retain key backroom man. Read more here.
