Kieran Tierney Singles Out Celtic Star for Praise

Former Celtic defender Kieran Tierney has praised his international teammate Greg Taylor for his performances this season. It is hoped that Taylor will return from injury this weekend in time to face Dundee United, and Tierney believes he is in contention to be awarded the Hoops‘ Player of the Year.

Since manager Ange Postecoglou arrived in summer 2021, Taylor has become the epitome of a Postecoglou player, having improved dramatically. He has had to learn how to play the inverted fullback role, which he has now mastered.

When Tierney departed Celtic in summer 2019 for a record fee of £25 million, Neil Lennon turned to Taylor, though many were unconvinced by his performances and doubted whether he was the right fit to replace him. However, Taylor‘s standout moment for Celtic came in the thrilling 4–3 win at Tynecastle, in which the 25–year–old scored the eventual winner.

His standout moment so far for Celtic game in the thrilling 4-3 win at Tynecastle in which the 25-year-old got the eventual winner. 

“Greg, for me, is a contender for player of the year. He came through a hard time at Celtic with the Covid situation and the missing out on 10,” said Tierney speaking to the Scottish Sun. 

“But we always knew he was going to be a great player for the club.

“Greg’s different from me. He’s got his own strengths. He’s very technical and on the ball he’s among the best there is.

“I’m so happy he’s established himself in the team. I love him as a person and we text each other weekly.”

Although Taylor didn’t take the same route as the Arsenal defender is heading straight into the team from the academy, the former Celtic star believes there should always be a core of homegrown players at the club. 

“I think it’s important for there to be a Scottish presence in the team.

“Or, at least, people who have grown up knowing everything about the club and have got the mentality of needing to win.

“Callum was seven or eight when he joined and he’s had that winning mentality from that age all the way up.

“And now as captain with every player coming in from different clubs and countries he’s able to help them settle quickly on and off the park. They’re made aware of the necessary standards.

“Right now it looks like every signing just clicks, buys into Celtic immediately. They all seem to be doing so well.

“Callum’s a brilliant captain. But I had no doubt in my mind he would be successful with the armband. No one in the club had doubts.

“I know how much it means to Callum, how professional he is and how much he gives to the club.

“He deserves every bit of success he gets – and I’m sure by the end of the season he’ll have two more trophies to lift.

“Jamesy now has 100 goals and 100 assists. He’s a club legend. What he’s done over all those years – is it 14 now? – is amazing.

“There aren’t many players able to say they’ve done what he is. He’s in the history books.

“Like Callum, he’s another brilliant guy.”