Greg Taylor hails Celtic's 'massive characters' as left back aims to 'chip away' at Rangers title lead

Greg Taylor believes Celtic can chip away at Rangers title advantage after hailing the return to winning form as proof of the “massive characters” within the squad.

Greg Taylor in action for Celtic. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

The Hoops appear to have put their recent rocky spell behind them to win their last five games on the bounce, including a quadruple treble clinching Scottish Cup success against Hearts at Hampden last weekend.

The Parkhead side remain 16 points behind Rangers in the quest for a record-setting 10th successive Premiership title, with three games in hand, but Taylor hopes to continue to build momentum against Dundee United in midweek before the all-important New Year trip to Ibrox on January 2.

"Our focus is on ourselves, chipping away at it," the left back said. “Of course there is a sizeable lead but it’s important to focus on Wednesday. It’s the next opportunity to get three more points and that’s what we’ll try to do.”

Reflecting on the poor form of late November and early December, when Celtic crashed out of Europe, the Betfred Cup and lost further ground in the title race, sparking fan protests and calls for Neil Lennon to be sacked, Taylor added: "In the tough moments, you see what character all the boys have got.

"That’s one thing the we’ve got in abundance in this team – lots of character. You don’t win 12 trophies on the spin without massive characters. We’re fortunate we’ve got that right through our team. When you’re out of the team, you just have to work that bit harder to get yourself back involved.”

Taylor is in competition with Diego Laxalt for an Ibrox starting berth after being preferred to the on-loan AC Milan for last week’s Scottish Cup final.

“I’m no different to the rest of the boys. I train hard every day, as does everyone. If that merits me playing on Wednesday and Saturday, I look forward to the honour and the opportunity,” he said.

"There is competition for places all around the squad. We are fortunate enough to have a management team that fills us with information so every player knows the role he has to perform when he comes into the team, whether it is 10 on the bounce or the odd game.”

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