Taylor can’t accept Scotland left-back pick is stitched up
Greg Taylor will hit two major milestones in the next 24 hours – but the Killie full-back refuses to take his eyes off the one no one believes he will reach.
This afternoon’s Rugby Park run-in with Aberdeen will mark his 100 th appearance for Kilmarnock, a figure that’s all the more impressive coming the day before his 21st birthday.
Despite his experience he’s still the Scotland prospect with no prospects.
His pathway to playing for his country is blocked by two of the best players produced in a generation both of whom play in his position.
However, Under-21s ace Taylor refuses to accept that Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney are untouchable.
He believes his resilience after rejection from Rangers at 15 will stand him in good stead for the battle ahead.
Taylor is intent on giving his rivals a run for the No. 3 shorts. He shrugged and said: “I have to aim to do that.
“It would be ridiculous to say I can’t do something – it would be too negative.
“Andy and Kieran are cracking players. They’re hardly getting on in years either, are they?
“But I’ ll focus on my football, keep working at club level. If you do well hopefully international recognition will come.
“Can I play right-back? I’d play anywhere for Scotland.
“I’ve played right- back before. I’m probably stronger on the left but I could certainly give it a go.
“I’ve played left mid, centre mid, left-back, you name it. I just enjoy playing games. Being so versatile has helped me get to 100 games.”
Not that the Scotland right-back shirt is available either just now – club mate Stephen O’Donnell is the man in possession after excelling in the 2- 0 win over Albania in September.
Taylor admits O’Donnell
is a greater inspiration to him than even the Liverpool and Celtic stars.
He said: “Any game I watch I’ll focus on the left-back.
“Kieran and Andy play at a high level but they’re a similar age to me so it’s hard to see them as role models.
“But when I see what Sods has done, it’s brilliant. He had it tough in England but has deserved everything he’s got since he’s been with us.
“I’m delighted he’s getting recognition and hopefully a few of us are next.”
Taylor hit the headlines after scoring the winner against Brazil in the Toulon tournament in 2017.
But it’s his week-to-week work under Steve Clarke that is earning him plaudits now.
The 20-year-old said: “I’ve a lot of people to thank. Lee Clark gave me a chance.
“And Clarke is brilliant for me. So I’m grateful to Killie and hopefully I’ve given a wee bit back so far.
“We had some hard times before Clarke got here – but it makes you as a player.
“You either rise to it or crumble. I’d like to say I rose to it and now I’m reaping the benefits in a winning team.
“I’m speechless when it comes to the gaffer. I can’t thank or praise him enough.
“He has been good for me as a person and us as a team.
“Now we’ve got to keep it up against Aberdeen who’ve had brilliant success under Derek McInnes.
“It will be tough but we’re all pushing in one direction.”