Greg Taylor swerves Celtic accolades for one text message he keeps safe with Euro 2024 countdown on
Taylor has a title, Scottish Cup and place in Scotland's Euro 2024 squad in his sights.
Greg Taylor may have won three Scottish Premiership crowns with Celtic in a haul of seven pieces of silverware with the Hoops. But sometimes the greatest honours can be captured for posterity in far simpler form. A text even.
The Hoops full-back dug out his mobile when meeting the press at Lennoxtown yesterday to read out the 27 word message received from SFA administrator Frank Reilly almost three years ago. That ping on his phone - as he stood outside Buckingham Palace on a sightseeing trip to London with his missus - made the left back feel like a king for a moment. It was confirmation he’s made the cut for Steve Clarke’s squad that was to end Scotland’s 23-year wait to take part in a major tournament. And it’s a sensation Taylor is desperate to experience again in the next few months.
The 13-times capped Hoops ace was named in Clarke’s squad to tackle the Netherlands and Northern Ireland this month as preparations step up for Germany 2024. But Clarke has warned the 25-man group that he expects four or five changes could come before the final selection.
Taylor has serious competition on the left side of defence where Kieran Tierney and Andy Robertson seems certs to be on the plane while Serie A star Josh Doig has emerged as a fresh option from the U21s. But Taylor know the best way to make sure he avoids the chop is by continuing his fine form for Celtic as they look to peg back Rangers and hold onto their Premiership title.
Taylor said: “It would mean everything to be on that plane, of course. I was lucky enough to be in the last Euros squad in 2021. I didn't play but I was there and it's massive honour when you get that text through and realise you are going. It was really special and you want to have that again, but you understand it's not fully in your control.
"The text was from Frank Reilly, who was involved with Scotland at the time. I remember I was in London and I knew it was around then we would find out.
"I was outside Buckingham Palace with the missus and the text came through. It was probably relief more than anything but there was also pure joy. There weren't big screams. It was relief but I think my partner was a bit shocked, saying, 'What's going on there?' I was off to the Euros and I still have the text.
"It said, 'Hi guys, congratulations, you are all included in the Scotland squad to be announced by Steve Clarke at 2pm today. I will send the itinerary out shortly.' That is how I found out. I always want to be involved in the Scotland games and this one is no different.
"Of course we know that this one is the last camp before the Euros. It's a chance to impress if given the opportunity. All I can do is do my best in every game for Celtic and if that's enough to be on the plane for Scotland, then brilliant.
"If it's not, then so be it. I have understood since coming through from the 21s that the opportunities for me in my position are going to be limited. I have 13 caps already and I have loved every one of them. I never take it for granted as it has been difficult. When I get the chance, I always try to do my best for my country and we will see where it takes me come the summer.”
Before all that Taylor has work to do with the Hoops. Trailing Rangers by two points with nine games - including two Old Firms - to go means the destiny of title is still in their own hands but there’s little margin for error. St Johnstone are next up at Parkhead this afternoon and, having shipped two points to the Perth side back in August in a goalless Parkhead draw, Brendan Rodgers’ side know they can nothing for granted.
Taylor said: “We are probably at the stage where you know you need to be almost perfect in the league if you want to have success. There is such a short time to go but it’s a good pressure isn’t it? A club this size demands winning, and winning in a certain way. That is what we are going to try to do for the rest of the season.”
Taylor was a title winner with Neil Lennon before adding another two championship gongs under Ange Postecoglou. There’s experience throughout Brendan Rodgers’ side. And the 26-year-old reckons that will be crucial in the coming weeks as the pressure mounts.
He said: “It’s never easy to win a league and this one has been no different to the others I have been involved in. It’s always difficult and I never take winning them for granted. To win any trophy for this club is a major honour. We want to do that in the last two competitions we are in.
“We have had injuries this year but that has also happened in other seasons. In the last few years we have had injuries and suspensions, and whatever. Lots has gone on this season but that’s part of a title race. It’s not going to be plain sailing the whole way and this one has been no different.”