Plenty reasons to be cheerful for Killie’s Greg
Greg Taylor doesn’t have to look far for reasons to celebrate.
Today, the Kilmarnock left-back will be playing his 100th game for the club against Aberdeen at Rugby Park.
Tomorrow is his 21st birthday.
Throw in three points, and the bubbly boy from Greenock will be feeling like he’s just scored a winning goal for Scotland against Brazil.
Something, of course, he has already experienced with his spectacular strike against the Samba stars at last year’s Toulon Tournament.
Taylor has since become a regular in Scot Gemmill’s starting XI for the Under21s, but the number of candles on his cake tomorrow signify that will soon be coming to an end.
He has designs on carrying on his international career, but in front of him are two barriers – one called Robertson, the other Tierney.
Taylor is realistic about the situation, but it hasn’t deterred his ambition to displace one of them.
“I’ve got to aim to do that,” he says. “It would be ridiculous – too negative – for me to sit here and say I can’t.
“They are both cracking players. I’m not daft about that.
“I’ll just focus on my football and, if you do well, hopefully international recognition comes along.”
While Taylor is getting the key of the door today, Tierney is just six months older, and Robertson a comparative veteran at 24.
“They’re hardly getting on, are they,” Taylor smiles.
“Sometimes you have just to put your hands up, but I’ll keep working at club level.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’d play anywhere for Scotland.
“I’ve played right-back before. I’m probably stronger on the left, but I certainly would give it a go.
“I’ve played left-mid, centre-mid, left-back, you name it. I just enjoy playing games.
“And being that versatile helps you get to 100 games.”
The next stage for Taylor and his team-mates is to continue a run of form today that has seen them undefeated in six games and reach the lofty heights of second in the Premiership table.
The left-back – released by Rangers as a youngster and who had to endure some tough times under Lee Clark at Killie – has thrived as the club have amassed 74 points from 40 games with Steve Clarke at the helm.
“I’m speechless when it comes to the gaffer,” says Taylor. “He’s been absolutely brilliant. I can’t thank him enough, and can’t praise him enough.
“He’s been really good for me as a person and us as a team.
“His attention to detail is second to none, we know our shape, and what we’re going to do with and without the ball.
“He’s very detailed on the opposition. But the big thing with the gaffer is the focus is on us, and what our strengths are, putting that into a strategy and, hopefully, getting a result.”
Aberdeen, you have been warned.