Greg Taylor has been encouraged to remain at Celtic and fight for his place as Kieran Tierney prepares to return to Parkhead. Former Hoops defender Charlie Mulgrew believes Taylor has what it takes to push Tierney and make the left-back role a real battle. With Taylor’s contract winding down and Tierney rejoining on a pre-contract from Arsenal, the competition for the starting spot is set to heat up.
Brendan Rodgers is still hopeful of convincing Taylor to extend his stay, despite the 27-year-old entering free agency this summer. Taylor has been a key part of Celtic’s system under Rodgers, particularly in the inverted full-back role that demands tactical discipline and composure on the ball. While Tierney’s return will generate excitement, Rodgers knows the value of depth and experience in a long season.
Soccer Football – Scottish Cup – Final – Aberdeen v Celtic – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – May 24, 2025 Celtic’s Greg Taylor and Celtic’s Daizen Maeda in action with Aberdeen’s Alexander Jensen REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Taylor has played consistently over recent seasons, offering both attacking support and defensive reliability. With Tierney’s fitness history also a factor, the importance of having two competitive left backs can’t be overstated heading into the new season.
Celtic fans will remember how Tierney’s performances once made him undroppable, but his injuries at Arsenal have raised questions about his long-term fitness. Taylor, by contrast, has remained a reliable and available presence for much of his time at the Hoops. As Tierney returns to the Hoops, the battle for minutes will come down to form and fitness.
Mulgrew said: (RecordSport), “As a Celtic fan, I’d love to see Greg stick around. He does that inverted role brilliantly, and between him and Tierney, there should be enough games for both over a season.”
“It’s unrealistic to play all 60 games a season at Celtic, so there’s plenty of opportunity for the two of them. You imagine KT will want to stay fit, but that’s never guaranteed.”
“He’s probably not going to manage 60 games at that level, so I’d love Taylor to stay—he brings a lot to the dressing room. Tierney will still need that competition to keep sharp.”
“Greg would provide that perfectly. He’s got the attitude and drive to fight for his place. You never know—he could win the jersey. Football’s a funny game sometimes.”
Taylor has shown his commitment to Celtic over the years, and even with Tierney coming back, he probably won’t give up his place easily. He has played well in big games and proved he can perform when it counts. Rodgers knows that kind of steady form will be important again next season. Now it’s up to Taylor—stay and fight for his spot, or leave for something new.
If Taylor stays, Celtic would have two strong choices at left-back, which gives Rodgers more options depending on the opposition. With European games, cup games, and the league, there will be a lot of games, so sharing the load will be important. Tierney brings an attacking threat, while Taylor offers smart, steady play—giving Rodgers different tools for different matches.
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Tierney’s return looks like a big boost on paper, but Taylor has earned his spot with solid and reliable performances. If both players compete for the position, it will push them to be better and raise the level in the team. With both in form, Celtic’s left side could become one of the strongest parts of the team again.
Rodgers is known for creating competition in his teams and likes having experienced players who set the tone. Tierney might be the big name coming back, but Taylor’s time at Celtic might not be over. With both players fighting for the same position, it could become one of the most interesting battles of the upcoming season.
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