Neil Lennon insists Greg Taylor ‘understands’ why he is yet to make Celtic debut

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Neil Lennon has admitted he has had a heart-to-heart with new signing Greg Taylor over his current role at Celtic. 

Celtic needed new left-backs this summer after the departure of both Kieran Tierney and Emilio Izaguirre. 

The club paid Rapid Vienna a fee reported by the BBC to be in the region of £3 million for Congolese defender Boli Bolingoli in July. But after he initially struggled to settle at Parkhead, Celtic also made a move for Kilmarnock defender Taylor. 

As reported by Football Scotland, the Scotland international also cost £3 million. Unfortunately for Taylor, Bolingoli has since recovered his form and the 21-year-old is now out of first-team plans at Celtic. 

Taylor has only featured in one matchday squad for Celtic since his arrival as the versatile Johnny Hayes can operate at left-back in case of replacing Bolingoli. 

Speaking to the Scottish Sun, Lennon explained that Taylor understood why he was currently not being used regularly. 

“Greg has to be patient. We’ve had a chat with him about it and he knows the situation. He hasn’t played yet and it’s difficult for him as Boli Bolingoli has come in and been consistent.

“The fact he’s not in the squad is because he knows we have Jonny Hayes who can double up positions — right wing, left-wing or left-back.

“So it’s pointless having one bonafide left back when you have a player who can factor a couple of positions for you. Greg totally understands that.”

TBR’s View

Lennon is right to go with Hayes considering the options he gives the team in attack. As for Taylor, there is no doubt he has the ability to one day thrive at Celtic but it just seems he might have to bide his time. 

It seems he might actually get that chance in today’s clash with Aberdeen, as Bolingoli is carrying a knock from the mid-week clash with Lazio. 

If he does, he will undoubtedly hope to show Lennon why he deserves his place in the Celtic starting XI.