GREG TAYLOR has revealed defensive partner Cameron Carter-Vickers was smiles better after yesterday’s 2-1 victory at Ibrox.
Celtic are now six points clear with six games to play and it was the on-loan Spurs man who got the goal that mattered against Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side who had taken a third-minute lead through Aaron Ramsey.
Tom Rogic levelled four minutes later after Allan McGregor had pushed out a low drive by Reo Hatate and, with half-time nearing, the US international had the final say.
The home defence failed to deal with a left-wing free-kick from Filipe Jota and the ball dropped to the centre-back’s feet for him to swivel and fire a shot wide of the helpless keeper.
TAKE THAT…Cameron Carter-Vickers prepares to slam the winning goal past Allan McGregor.
The winner plus a solid and impressive all-round display earned Carter-Vickers the Man of the Match award – and the centre-back shared the joy with his team-mates in the dressing room afterwards.
Taylor, who also put in a sterling performance before he was forced to go off in the 71st minute to be replaced by Anthony Ralston, admitted: “It was brilliant for Carter-Vickers – we even managed to get a smile out of him at the end, which is really rare!”
Wins obviously bring grins and the Scotland international left-back, speaking to Celtic TV, said: “We’re really happy. It was a fighting performance. We were a wee bit under the cosh for the last half hour or so, but the boys dug deep and we managed to get a big three points.
THAT GRINNING TOUCH…Greg Taylor makes Cameron Carter-Vickers revelation. Image courtesy Celtic TV.
“They started well, so we just had to try and get a bit of composure within the game.
“We’ve got experienced boys out there and it was a big moment from Tom to get the equaliser and then we managed to control a good bit of the game after that.
“The gaffer’s instilled a really strong mentality within the group.
“We’ve worked tirelessly, we’ve not looked for excuses throughout, and we didn’t again on Sunday.
“We went 1-0 down, but we just dug deep and we managed to dig out what we needed and that was a big three points.
“Of course, it was a big one, but it means nothing if we don’t go and continue that form into next week, so that’ll be our aim – to go and get three points against St Johnstone on Saturday.”
Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt were immense in the heart of the Hoops back lot as Ange Postecoglou’s men saw out the game and Taylor added: “It wasn’t just the defenders, you’ve got the midfielders dropping down.
JOY BHOYS…Greg Taylor joins in the celebrations after Tom Rogic’s equaliser.
“Daizen, Giako working tirelessly, Liel came on, so it was genuinely a full team performance and I think everyone can be happy with their efforts.
“We made five substitutions – the gaffer’s big on, even the training, they push the levels to make sure the boys can do it at the weekend. So, it’s a whole collective and we’re really happy.”
The Premiership continues with the confrontation with the Perth Saints in the east end of Glasgow at the weekend – and there is the opportunity for Kyogo Furuhashi to make his first top side appearance in 2022.
That news is guaranteed to put smiles on the faces of everyone of a Celtic persuasion – including Carter-Vickers!
