Taylor out to put freak results in the past

GREG TAYLOR is confident he can erase the memory of Kilmarnock’s humiliating Europa League exit at the hands of Connah’s Quay Nomads this season by helping Celtic beat Rennes tonight and top Group E.

Scotland left-back Taylor is set to start for Neil Lennon’s side in their penultimate Group E match at Parkhead this evening in the absence of injured duo Boli Bolingoli and Jonny Hayes.

It will be a big ask for a player whose only experience of European football came when the Rugby Park club were beaten by part-time Welsh minnows Nomads back in July.

However, the 22-year-old, a £3million signing in September, is relishing the prospect and is fully focused on ensuring Celtic triumph and finish first in their section for the first time in their history.

“You can’t dwell on the past,” he said. “I’d describe the Connah’s Quay matches as a freak two games. It took us by surprise. We didn’t give a good account of ourselves but it’s never easy when it’s so early in the season and there’s a new manager in as well.

“There’s no point mincing your words – it was frustrating and hugely disappointing. You work so hard over 38 games the previous season to get there so to not have a proper crack at it was so disappointing.

“When you are sitting in the dressing room that night the Europa League group stages seemed a million miles away. But here we are, it’s been a strange few months. It’s exciting to go from there to where I am today. It’s been some journey since then.

“I didn’t want that to be my last game in Europe, going out in the first qualifying round. Thankfully I came here and have another chance at it.”

Taylor added: “Topping the group would be a totally different kind of experience and that’s what the focus is on. We are in a good winning habit and we want it to continue.

“I remember a lot of big European nights at Parkhead. Hopefully we can go on and get another one on Thursday night by getting the victory and topping the group.

“That’s never been done in the club’s history so it would be brilliant if we could do that and be part of it.”