Goals from Japanese duo Kyogo and Daizen Maeda ensured Celtic secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup on Sunday afternoon. It was a professional performance from The Bhoys despite them having a rather depleted team.
The back four was full of, arguably, second-choice players but they kept their cool and contributed towards a clean sheet. Despite this, a few bhoys have been noticeably missed in the defence lately.
Greg Taylor has been out for the past four games. Manager Brendan Rodgers hailed him after the Cup win, and confirmed he will be back for next weekend’s match against his old team, Kilmarnock: “Greg Taylor’s been a big miss for us”, he said (live on air on Viaplay).
“Someone like Greg you notice what he brings when he’s out the team.
“He’s back training and he will be available for next weekend.”
Along with Taylor, Rodgers also provided an update on the state of central defender Carter-Vickers. His presence has been missed at the heart of the defence in 2024.
He brings much stability and calmness to the back four, but he won’t be back as soon as his fellow defender: “He’s back on the pitch and hopefully the next few weeks he’ll be okay.”
Getting both Taylor and Carter-Vickers back soon will be high on Brendan Rodgers’ priority list. Despite the fact his side didn’t concede today, the gaffer will be eager to get the duo back on the pitch to help bring further strength and depth to the backline.
