Celtic fans were left very worried when Greg Taylor appeared to pull up in the second half against Hibernian. He was substituted off, with Alexandro Bernabei coming on, but with the Glasgow Derby against the Rangers at Ibrox just days away, it is safe to say that the fitness status of the Scottish international is a major concern, especially considering his brilliant form in recent times.
Not too long ago, Taylor was not considered as being good enough for Celtic. He has turned his career around completely under the management of Postecoglou though, improved his performances drastically and nailed down his spot in the starting XI.
Bernabei arrived in the summer from Lanus but has not been able to get ahead of Taylor in the pecking order. Naturally, Celtic fans would be hoping to have their best left-back available against the Rangers away at Ibrox.
There seems to be some good news in that regard. As reported by Football Scotland, Ange Postecoglou expects that Taylor will be available for the trip to Ibrox, as the Celtic manager said:
"“I think so. He felt a bit tight. With the game the way it was, he decided conservatively to come off.”"
Postecoglou gives Taylor update before Celtic face Rangers at Ibrox
It is safe to say that that is a major boost for Celtic heading into the second Glasgow Derby of the season. They won the first one by a 4-0 scoreline but this one is expected to be closer.
The Ibrox club have been on a decent run since the arrival of Michael Beale as manager and won all four of their games after the World Cup break. Thus, Celtic will need to be at their best when they go visiting early next year.
Taylor’s availability will thus be very important for the big game. Of course, Celtic have a worry on the opposite full-back position as well, with Anthony Ralston struggling with fitness issues of his own and Josip Juranovic yet to feature after the World Cup break. Thus, it is very possible that Reo Hatate might have to start there for the third match running.