Taylor ‘ecstatic’ after finalising Hoops deal

Scotland defender delighted after signing four-year contract with Celtic

Greg Taylor is relishing the challenge of meeting Celtic fans’ expectations after completing his move from Kilmarnock in the final hours of the Scottish transfer window.

The left-back took time out from the Scotland training camp near Edinburgh to sign a four-year contract at Celtic Park after the Scottish champions agreed a deal with Killie.

The deal has long been mooted over the summer, even before Kieran Tierney’s £25 million move to Arsenal, and Taylor was a relieved but delighted man to get his big move.

The 21-year-old told Celtic TV: “It’s been a whirlwind of a day but I’m over the moon to be here and thankfully that’s it over the line.

“As soon as I knew of Celtic’s interest, I was desperate to come, so it’s been a great day, certainly now that it’s done.”

He later told a press conference: “Eventually about five o’clock I got the text to say it was done.

“It’s relief, definitely, to know that it’s done. I’m absolutely ecstatic to play for this football club. It’s going to be an enjoyable ride, I hope.

“I can’t lie about how happy I am. I’m just sitting here the happiest man ever.”

Taylor made 131 first-team appearances for Killie and hopes that experience will stand him in good stead.

“I’m very grateful to Kilmarnock for the opportunity they gave me to play in the first team,” he said.

“I have enjoyed my time there and I want more of the same. I have been quite consistent.

“It’s a massive challenge, of course it is, but as a footballer you have got to relish pressure. When you come here you are expected to win every game and it’s a challenge I’m going to look forward to.”

Taylor will compete with Boli Bolingoli for the left-back role but he dismissed questions about replacing Scotland team-mate Tierney.

“Kieran’s done amazing, he’s done great things for this massive club and he’s away to another big club to hopefully do great things there,” he said.

“I have been given this opportunity and all I can do is what I can do. It’s not a competition or a comparison.

“It’s just up to me to impress the manager and hopefully that impresses the fans.

“You need competition. It improves every player. There are other players here, of course there will be. I’m not daft enough to think I’m walking into a jersey. It’s up to me to earn the right to get that jersey.”

Kilmarnock released a statement confirming Taylor’s move along with a thank you message to the player.

It read: “A product of the club’s youth academy, Greg quickly rose through the ranks to establish himself as a key player at Rugby Park, playing a big role in the Steve Clarke team that secured our highest league finish in over 50 years.

“He developed from a young academy player to a Scotland international in the space of a few years, and made 131 appearances in his time at the club.”

Taylor is Neil Lennon’s fourth signing in the last two weeks after loan deals for Fraser Foster, Mohamed Elyounoussi and Moritz Bauer.

Celtic meanwhile loaned out forward Jack Aitchison to Forest Green and midfielder Ewan Henderson to Ross County, as well as Anthony Ralston to St Johnstone.

Just before going to press the Hoops also confirmed the signing of Manchester City defender Jeremie Frimpong.

Picture: SNS. Greg Taylor at Celtic Park last night after finalising his move from Kilmarnock on a four-year deal.