Greg was Killie’s have a Joe hero .. he’s not afraid of any challenge
Clark says brutal tackle on Barton proves Taylor can rise to test
LEE CLARK threw Greg Taylor in at the deep end as Kilmarnock plunged into the relegation mire four years ago.
It was sink or swim time for the rookie full-back as he followed up his debut on the last day of the regular season against Dundee United with a second start in the relegation play-off return leg against Falkirk.
But the then 18-year-old took to the challenge like a duck to water. Just as he has every test that’s been put in his way since.
That’s why, with the 22-year-old now set for another make-or-break scenario as he gears up for a second season at Celtic, Clark has backed his protege to make the left-back berth his own as the Hoops strive for history.
The departure of Jonny Hayes combined with the inconsistency of Boli Bolingoli leaves the position up for grabs as Neil Lennon prepares his side for their shot at 10 in a row.
And Taylor has the perfect temperament for the Premiership pressure cooker that lies ahead, according to his old boss.
He insists the Scotland international has a fear of nothing and nobody, something he proved when being flung in for a Scotland debut against the No.1 side in the world a year ago.
And a trait he had already displayed when he sent Clark’s old pal Joey Barton into orbit with a crunching tackle in front of the live TV cameras as Kilmarnock drew with Rangers at Rugby Park in 2016.
The Geordie said: “Greg is a great kid. I have enjoyed seeing his successes in getting the move to Celtic and becoming a full international.
“He gives everything, has a good humour and a great attitude. He is a very talented player. From my time at Kilmarnock everyone remembers the tackle on Joey Barton which I suppose put down a marker.
“I had a giggle at the time because I knew Joey very well from when I was on the coaching staff at Newcastle and he had a bit of a hardman reputation.
“Joey had a wee giggle back at me too because he knew what I was laughing at. It summed up Greg. He is very respectful of his opponents but never fearful of any challenge.
“That’s how he goes about his career and I think it’s the right way.
“I remember watching him making his international debut against Belgium – away to the best team in the world and he approached that game in the same way. No fear. Lots of respect. But ready for the challenge.
“Like every challenge that has been put in front of him he will be ready for what lies ahead at Celtic this season and will be up for the fight.
“You will see him flourish this season. I have no doubt about that. Some may say it’s sink or swim. Maybe it is.
“But when I have watched Celtic games on TV I have thought he has acquitted himself very well.
“So I have no doubts about him and I don’t think Neil Lennon has either. I listen to what he has to say and I think he has been pleased with how Greg has settled in.”
Taylor had to be patient for his first start at Celtic after making a £3million deadline-day switch from Ayrshire last summer.
His debut didn’t arrive until a 2-0 win over St Mirren on October 30 and even then he had to wait another four weeks for his second appearance, in a 4-0 home win over Livingston.
In between those two games he took his cap haul to three with impressive performances against Cyprus and Kazakhstan.
Taylor made 14 appearances for the Hoops in total as they clinched nine in a row last season.
He might not quite have matched the driving, forward-thinking style of Kieran Tierney yet. But Clark is convinced he will force himself to be a first pick for Lennon. He said: “I really love Greg’s temperament. Whenever I saw him play with Killie Under-20s or when he trained with the first team he had a strong spirit even though he was a young player.
“He was never overawed and very committed. He had been playing a lot of his football in central midfield when I arrived and I just felt he had an accomplished left foot and thought it could be a position he could flourish.
“We were a bit short in that area and I threw him in for his debut against Dundee United. I basically threw the gauntlet down to him.
“He was very impressive. In a team that was quite young he stood out. Sometimes it can be difficult to play in that environment when you don’t have a lot of senior players around you.
“So I had no qualms about throwing him in for the second leg of the play-off final and he never let us down as we overturned a 1-0 deficit to win 4-1.
“He quickly became a first pick and never let anyone down. I’m sure that will be the case if Neil puts his faith in him this season.”
No fear. Lots of respect. But ready for the challenge LEE CLARK ON GREG TAYLOR’S APPROACH TO THE GAME