ANGE Postecoglou likes to spin the wheel with his selection each week but Greg Taylor insists he and his Celtic team-mates are happy with the gaffer’s board games.
It’s been a bit like Guess Who? on a match-to-match basis as the Aussie has rotated his line-up in a bid to keep his side fresh for this hectic spell in the run-up to the World Cup. And he joked he’s found a way to avoid dealing with anyone who might be in a huff at being left out. He writes the team on his board in the dressing room... and does a bunk.
Postecoglou said: “I don’t tell them, I just avoid them, mate. Easy discussion, I just put the team up and walk away.” That’s fine with Taylor and the ploy has done the trick for Celts as the side continue to fire regardless of who is in the line-up and with Callum McGregor out injured. There was a chunk of changes for Hibs and they hit six. It was the same at Fir Park when Motherwell were thumped by four, Taylor teeing up one of Liel Abada’s two goals, as the Hoops reached a Premier Sports Cup semi-final.
Taylor, out for a couple of games as Alexandro Bernabei came in, was back in business in Lanarkshire and is content with the gaffer’s games. The Scotland ace said: “Yes, we’ve got a squad for that reason. Every player naturally wants to play in every game but that’s not possible – unless you are Cal!
“We all want to play but equally we understand there has to be rotation from time to time. When the manager puts the board up before the game, you are just keen and hoping your name is on it. Whoever is playing in whatever position, you back the team the gaffer selects because we know if we all have that attitude and work hard for each other, we’ll all reap the rewards and get success together.”
As for what to do when your name isn’t on the board, he quipped: “Ask the manager! No, listen, I’m part of the team and I understand it. I’m eager to play every game but realise that to keep a level of performance as a team, that’s not going to be possible, so I understand.
“Everyone is hungry to play. When you get an opportunity, most boys at the moment are taking it. We know it’s an intense period. We’ve got another seven games to go, so there’s going to be plenty of rotation and opportunities to play.”
Bernabei got rave reviews but Taylor returned with a superb show. He doesn’t need to be told competition is healthy and added: “I don’t think you need a reminder.
“We’re all training to such a high standard. So whether it’s Berna or whoever plays in any position, you know they are going to take their opportunity and Berna has done that.
“He’s eager to learn, as we all are. Whoever the manager selects, they’re going to give a top-level performance.”
Which is what Taylor has been doing this term with plenty noticing. He said: “I just try to get better every day, try to improve, train and work as hard as I can. When I get an opportunity, like I did on Wednesday, try to take it.
“I could’ve done with a few more boys taking a few more chances the past few weeks! Thankfully Liel did that. But it’s not about me. It’s about a team performance and getting results to build something and hopefully get success.”
