As Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final against St Johnstone approaches, many Celtic players are taking the spotlight in the build-up. Alistair Johnston has been talking about Brendan Rodgers possibly extending his contract. Reo Hatate has spoken of his hopes for a goal at Hampden Park. The vast majority of the supporters would be delighted with both of those happening.
Celtic fullbacks are also very much in the picture this week. That stretches across past, present, and future, with some crossovers. Much of the talk has been about Greg Taylor and whether he might remain at the club beyond his current deal. Rodgers has said he is keen to see that happen and now the Daily Record reports that a new offer has been made to the 27-year-old. For a long time, the expectation was that he would depart this summer as a free agent.
Taylor hasn't said much at all. He let his performance do the talking on the pitch last weekend against Kilmarnock. He was many people's man of the match as he reminded us all what he is capable of. He also pulled a few heartstrings, and surely his own too, before the game as he proudly carried his newborn daughter while walking onto the pitch.
Of course, a factor for the club and Taylor is the return of Kieran Tierney for next season. That may be a reason for him to move on or a reason to remain. The Arsenal left-back may have been disappointed not to make his return to Glasgow sooner, but that will have been offset by playing in both of their games against Real Madrid in the Champions League recently and booking their place in the semi-finals. It underlines what a great player he is and how fantastic it is that he is coming home.
Taylor staying at Celtic would end any hopes of Schlupp signing
Among all that, we have Jeffrey Schlupp, another Premier League player filling that left-back slot from time to time. Initially, fans were keen to see his loan being made into a permanent deal. That’s waned somewhat after a couple of below-par performances from the Crystal Palace loanee and probably also by Taylor being back on top form and the growing possibility of him staying at the club.
Where will all this end up? Well, so far the only certainty is Tierney returning. And even that was a low-key mention in passing rather than the high-profile player announcements the Celtic media team is so good at. You would have expected one for a player of his quality and history with the club.
We’ll have to wait and see if a new deal can be reached with Taylor. Another winning performance at Hampden Park this weekend and that fresh offer could help seal the deal.
We certainly expect to see him starting again on Sunday, ahead of Schlupp. It seems likely that his decision on a new contract may well be what kickstarts or ends any chances of the Crystal Palace loanee staying.
If Taylor signs to compete with Tierney for left-back, then surely we can expect Schlupp to leave at the end of his loan. Otherwise, there is a possibility the Hoops could open up to a permanent deal.