I’ve never claimed to be the new Tierney, says Taylor

GREG TAYLOR insists he will never allow constant comparisons with Kieran Tierney to drag him down. The former Kilmarnock full-back was signed to fill the void created when fans’ favourite Tierney joined Arsenal in a record £25million deal. Admitting his Scotland team-mate left some huge boots to fill, Taylor claims he is unfazed by fans comparing him unfavourably. Or by Celtic’s efforts to go back into the transfer market and bid for Charlton left-back Alfie Doughty. ‘Kieran was a top, top player for the club and still is at Arsenal,’ said the 22-year-old. ‘He’s a great lad and I was with him in the last Scotland squad and got on really well with him. ‘But it’s for other people to make comparisons. I’ve never claimed to be Kieran Tierney, I’m Greg Taylor and that’s all I can be each week. Hopefully that’s enough to continue to play each week for the gaffer. ‘There’s big expectations on every player at the club and I’m no different. It’s just one of those things. I’m fine with it.’ Boli Bolingoli’s exit to Turkey on loan has prompted Celtic bids for Doughty, while they have also been linked with Leeds’ Barry Douglas. Taylor (right) is unsurprised by moves to strengthen in his position. ‘It’s not a problem for me. That’s the life of a player at a big club. There’s going to be competition everywhere. ‘Boli’s gone on loan, so there’s a vacancy there. It’s understandable the manager’s looking to bring someone else in. ‘You just aim to do enough to make sure the manager selects you for the next game.’ Forced to adapt from being a defensive left-back at Killie to incorporate a new attacking side to his game, Taylor has mustered four assists in eight appearances this season. ‘I take pride in what I can bring to the attack also,’ he said. ‘Assists are something I want to continue to rack up.

When you’re playing at full-back at Celtic, you’re on the front foot a lot. Even more so when we’ve been playing a system of wing-backs. ‘It’s been a quick turnaround for me since breaking in at Kilmarnock. I feel I can deal with the pressures. It’s something I’ve become accustomed to. ‘The pressures and demands through the support, the squad, the club — it’s all natural and I feel I can handle it. It’s a pressure that I love.’ Acknowledging the importance of European football until Christmas at least, Taylor added: ‘We didn’t progress in the Champions League and it still hurts. But we can only control what’s in front of us and that’s Thursday night — hopefully we’ll progress in the Europa League.’