MODEST Greg Taylor’s focus will not be blurred with his new-found status as a nominee for Player of the Year.
The hard-working Celtic left-back has become a key performer in the team’s pursuit of a glorious treble and his consistency could well be rewarded when the personal honours are being dished out at the campaign’s conclusion.
Taylor expressed surprise at being mentioned among the possibles for the award, but isn’t getting carried away as the accolades tend “to go to goalscorers, anyway.”
IT TAKES TWO…skipper Callum McGregor and Greg Taylor are all smiles as they celebrate the League Cup Final success at Hampden in February.
The 25-year-old Scotland international defender’s name has been mentioned in dispatches alongside such club luminaries as prolific hitman Kyogo Furuhashi, inspirational captain Callum McGregor, the remarkable Reo Hatate and the rock-solid Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Taylor admitted: “I didn’t know I was a candidate. It’s a massive compliment to be spoken about and it’s nice when the plaudits come along. But I know how quickly things can change if you don’t cut the mustard.
“I just keep trying to improve and focus on finishing the season strongly. The awards tend to go to the goalscorers, anyway.
“There are several candidates from this team. It says a lot and that’s a credit to the players themselves. Everyone has played their role in the team and everyone plays their part.”
Taylor, speaking to The Scotsman, added: “We know we wouldn’t be as successful if everyone didn’t give themselves over to the team.
ON THE CREST OF A WAVE… Matt O’Riley congratulates Greg Taylor after the defender’s goal in the 3-0 win over Livingston at Parkhead earlier this season.
“Look at Kyogo. You see him running all the way back to his own goal to defend – and these things don’t go unnoticed.
“It’s unbelievable. But that is what it’s like throughout the squad, everyone wants to help one another. It’s great to have that.”
Now all eyes are on the Scottish Cup semi-final against Michael Beale’s Ibrox outfit at Hampden on Sunday.
At the same stage against the same opponents last season, Taylor claimed a rare goal to fire the Hoops into the lead.
Moments later, Carter-Vickers clattered a close-range attempt off the crossbar, the Govan club levelled to take the tie into extra-time and it was settled when the unfortunate Carl Starfelt diverted a left-wing cross past the helpless Joe Hart.
As Taylor pointed out, it’s not about personal glory it’s all about the team.
The back-four operator will happily forfeit a fleeting moment of glory this time around to ensure Ange Postecoglou’s men are lining up at the national stadium in the grand finale on Saturday June 3.
