Taylor to Celts ‘only rumours’, says Alessio
Kilmarnock boss Angelo Alessio last night refused to be drawn on reports that full-back Greg Taylor is on the verge of joining Celtic.
The left-back has been targeted by the Hoops as they seek a replacement for £25 million man Kieran Tierney and they look set to land their man before tomorrow’s transfer deadline.
The 21-year-old was again left out of the Killie squad for their 1-0 victory over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park, but Alessio preferred to concentrate on his side’s battling display – and his first Premiership success – when questioned about the defender’s future.
He said: “I want to just speak about our performance. With the other situation, we will see what happens in the next day.
“At the moment, I can’t say anything, because it is only rumours.
“I don’t want to speak about other players and the transfer market just now.
“It is important we speak about our performance. It was important for our mood and for everyone at the club.
“And for me, of course, but above all for our team.”
Scotland defender Stephen O’Donnell was Killie’s unlikely match-winner and once in front they shut up shop impressively to deny St Johnstone even a sniff of an equaliser.
After the embarrassment of exiting the Europa League to Welsh minnows Connah’s Quay Nomads, Alessio appears to have galvanised his squad.
Following on from the Betfred Cup win against Hamilton Accies and the goalless draw with Aberdeen, they were worthy of a vital victory that was greeted with delight by the travelling fans.
He added: “Thanks for the support because it was important for the team and for everyone.
“In this two-month period, our support wanted this type of match and this result.
“And we deserved this result because today I saw our team compact and strong, and we won from a counter-attack.
“In the last two games, in the victory against Hamilton and against Aberdeen, I have seen all the players working very hard.
“And this result, I think, was deserved and was for the players. They wanted this type of game and this win.”