Greg Taylor has been one of Celtic’s outstanding performers this term - but the Scotland full-back is adamant he won’t ever halt striving for more under a boss in Ange Postecoglou who won’t ever stop straining and planning for improvement.
Most observers and fans believe Taylor has delivered his finest season at the club. The 25-year-old has matured into a top-class performer and leader within a squad who have moved the club to the brink of a fifth Treble in seven seasons. In typically modest fashion, when it was put to Taylor he’d reached the highest levels of his career, he merely said: “I hope so. I aim to improve as I go along. Hopefully thus far it’s been my best level. But hopefully there’s more to come for me and also the team.”
Those Taylor comments scream of the fact he’s fully aware personal and collective progression cannot ever cease. A constant push at Parkhead is the norm as he added: “We’re all so driven, we’re all keen for success. We believe in every word the gaffer says to us.
“We know it’s going to help us and stand us in good stead. We don’t waste a single training session, any game. There have been points in the season it’s been difficult, of course it has.
“Winning leagues and trophies, it’s never easy. You can’t forget when you go out for every match that it’s not just you who wants to win – the other team’s so desperate for points.
“It speaks volumes how good the boys have been, just such a strong belief. It’s something you’ve got to appreciate because it doesn’t come easy. To have that number of boys who are so keen to be successful, so keen to improve their game, it’s fantastic.
“Right now, in the here and now for Celtic, every player in that changing room loves it and long may it continue.”
Taylor has become an almost immovable force. Signed by Neil Lennon in September 2019, he’s developed superbly and reached the next level under Postecoglou.
Defensively sound and a creator of goals, the fee of around £2million paid to Kilmarnock has been a bargain. Last summer’s arrival of Alexandro Bernabei for £3.75m had fans wondering if Taylor would be stepping aside for their exciting new Argentine signing, only for the Scotland ace to respond yet again with a term of terrific showings.
Taylor will take nothing for granted and said: “There are always going to be people coming for your position but it’s not about that. There have been so many boys who have contributed.
“It’s about grafting when you’re selected and taking your opportunity. I would say me and Bern have contributed throughout the season. There have been different times when either of us have played.
“But it’s a squad game, especially now when you play in the Champions League and you play 38 league games, cup games. You need everyone.”
Asked specifically if he has taken pride in the high standards he’s shown this term, Taylor summed up the all-for-one attitude within the group as he added: “Yes, of course. It’s just a small part in a collective.
“The real reason we’ve been so successful this season has been the collective. Everyone’s played their part. The 20, 25 boys have all contributed throughout the season, real credit to the whole group. There have been difficult moments through-out last year and this year.
“But just having such a strong squad has been the real reason for success. Everyone has played their part and I’m really proud of everyone.”
Pushed to pick a highlight, Taylor said: “Probably winning the league. Tynecastle’s such a difficult venue. You saw Hearts, I thought they started really well and the fans got right behind them. But to stand tough and find a way of winning was great.”
Celtic’s 53rd title win is their 11th in 12 seasons and Taylor added: “It’s unbelievable. It’s hard to put into words what it means to the whole club. It’s a club that demands trophies and to deliver it playing a brand of football the way we do is amazing.
“We’ve not rested at all on what we did last season. We knew there was more in us and there’s still more to come. We want to improve going into next season but, most importantly, we want to finish this season strongly first.”
