Greg Taylor Absence Sparks Celtic Return Speculation

Greg Taylor was left out of PAOK’s squad for Thursday night’s Europa League qualifier against Dynamo Kyiv after asking not to be involved because of a personal matter.

Greek outlet Ta Nea reports that the former Celtic left-back had been in contention to start the match, but informed PAOK the day before kick-off that he did not feel able to play.

The 28-year-old’s absence was not linked to an injury or fitness problem. Instead, he felt the personal issue he was dealing with would prevent him from giving the game the level of focus required.

PAOK accepted Taylor’s request and left him out of the matchday squad for the tie in Poland.

Jonathan Gomez was selected at left-back in his place, while Lefteris Lyratzis received a late call to travel and join the group.

PAOK went on to record a 3-2 victory, but Taylor’s absence naturally attracted attention after his recent comments about a possible Celtic return.

There is no suggestion, however, that the two situations are connected.

Taylor was asked last week whether he could see himself playing for Celtic again and refused to completely rule out the prospect.

He said: “Celtic’s an amazing club, but I’ve got two years left at PAOK, and I want to make that be a success there.

“But who knows. I would never say no to anything. I would be open to everything.”

The Scotland international left Celtic on a free transfer last summer after six years in Glasgow.

His first campaign in Greece proved difficult, with Taylor making 18 appearances across all competitions and starting 12 league games.

He was also an unused substitute throughout PAOK’s six league play-off fixtures and found regular European minutes hard to come by.

That lack of game time has led to fresh questions over his future, particularly with Celtic still looking to strengthen at left-back.

Kieran Tierney is currently the only established senior option in that position, while James Penrice and Will Ferry have also been linked with moves to Parkhead.

Taylor would already know the club, the league and many of the players in Martin O’Neill’s squad, but there has been no indication that Celtic have opened talks with PAOK.

For now, his omission from Thursday’s squad should be treated solely as a personal matter, with no evidence that it points towards a transfer.