Bhoys have the blinkers on for Ibrox

CELTIC full-back Greg Taylor insists the Parkhead side must adopt a blinkered approach this week to ensure they travel to Ibrox on Saturday with the title still up for grabs. The resurgence of Neil Lennon’s team continued at windswept Hamilton, with a 3-0 win stretching their unbeaten run to six games in all competitions. Although 16 points behind Rangers, the champions still have three games in hand plus three derbies which potentially could claw back the gap. Aware that the visit of Dundee United on Wednesday is a potential tripwire, though, Taylor says the margin for error is so slight that thoughts of meeting Rangers can’t be entertained until it’s next on the agenda. ‘I can assure you all our focus and the management team’s focus will be on Wednesday night and getting the three points,’ he said. ‘It took a late winner from Albian Ajeti (to triumph at Tannadice in August). Hopefully we don’t leave it as late but if it takes that long and we get the three points, that’s all that’s important. ‘Our focus is on ourselves, chipping away at it (Rangers’ lead). Of course, there is a sizeable lead but it’s important to focus on Wednesday. It’s the next chance to get three more points. ‘We’re just trying to plug away and focus on the next game. ‘It’s important to put in another performance and get another three points. If we can continue doing that, we’ll see where it takes us.’ Part of a defence who claimed a third successive clean sheet in the league at the weekend, Taylor is embroiled in an ongoing fight for his place with on-loan AC Milan full-back Diego Laxalt. Hopeful that his assured display might lead to a prolonged run in the side, the former Kilmarnock man added: ‘Any time you’re out the side, you’re disappointed, especially when we were on a bad run because you want to see the boys do well and win. ‘I’m just grateful we’ve picked up a wee bit of late, again with an important win against Hamilton, and hopefully it can continue. ‘Playing for this club, any chance you get is a massive honour and every time I get the opportunity to do that, I look forward to it. ‘It’s a chance to impress and I leave the rest up to other people.’ After a troubled period, Lennon now has more selection headaches of the right kind, with Taylor welcoming the dynamic that creates within the dressing room. ‘There is competition for places all around the squad,’ he said. ‘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 ten on the bounce or the odd game. ‘It’s important to be flexible. We are fortunate that we know a few systems. There will be different times that you are called upon to play them.’