Celtic defender Greg Taylor says he's ready to face Rangers despite being forced off against Hibs as a precautionary measure. But there could still be a derby selection plot twist in the works - with Alexandro Bernabei blowing Ange Postecoglou away with his cameo off the bench.
Taylor has been one of Celtic's top performers this season, starting all but three games in the league and playing more minutes so far than any other outfield player aside from Cameron Carter-Vickers and Matt O'Riley. He even filled in as a deputy right-back in the late stages against St Johnstone, with Bernabei substituted on after Anthony Ralston went off injured and Josip Juranovic still resting after World Cup duty.
He went off for Bernabei in the late stages against Hibs and was given a rare rest for the final 20 minutes but Postecoglou said after the game he doesn't expect it to be serious. And he's now declared on Instagram that he is "ready" for Monday's huge game that could see Celtic go 12 points clear at Ibrox and all-but end Rangers' title hopes.
In the midst of Taylor's impressive form this season, Bernabei has had to wait patiently for his chances, but speaking after the 4-0 win over Hibs, Postecoglou was taken aback by how well he performed. He said: "Hopefully Greg is OK, he's just a bit tight. But I thought Bernabei was brilliant when he came on. He gave us some real energy on the left-hand side."
Given Taylor's consistency so far this season, you would expect him to retain his place for the massive game at Ibrox if he is anything close to full fitness. But it seems Bernabei is knocking at the door and a surprise derby start could see him finally take off as a Celtic player after six months of biding his time. That could even come as a deputy right-back once more if Postecoglou decides to move Reo Hatate back into midfield after two games of covering for Ralston and Juranovic.
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