Super sub Taylor’s sudden impact was a real showstopper

GREG TAYLOR rarely gets the chance to celebrate a goal, far less a dramatic late winner from the subs’ bench.

So while there may be genuine fears that the introduction of VAR technology will rob the game of its joyous spontaneity, the Celtic leftback was never going to stand on ceremony after sealing his team’s 4-3 victory at Tynecastle.

On the field for just ten minutes when he knocked the ball home from close range, the substitute charged towards the visiting supporters behind the goal and broke into a knee slide.

‘It was a great feeling and in that moment you don’t really think about whether the goal is going to be all right,’ said the full-back post-match.

‘Euphoria takes over your body. The fans deserved it because they backed us throughout 90 minutes.’

Tynecastle has historically been a tricky venue for Celtic and one that has proved pivotal to the club’s title challenges.

The sense that this might mean more than just three points was palpable and writ large in the reaction of Taylor (right).

Rested from Ange Postecoglou’s starting line-up in favour of Alexandro Bernabei, the defender is more concerned with the impact the result may have on the team’s most immediate assignment against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions

League. He added: ‘We have shown throughout the manager’s term that we have so much character and so much belief from everyone who gets to play a part whether that is off the bench or from the start. ‘It is early to say how important the win might be. We showed that spirit last year when we were champions but we just try and focus on the next game.

‘We have threatened a big result in the Champions League and not got there for whatever reason, but hopefully we can get there no.’ On the sidelines for all of the big VAR calls on the day, Taylor admitted it was tough occasion to be a sub.

He added: ‘When you are on the bench you feel nervous because you cannot have any effect on the game. So that was probably my overriding emotion, nerves.

‘If you get on and can effect the game, then you tend to calm down.

‘For some reason, you knew VAR was going to have a bearing today. For Scottish football it was typical. But it did not have a bearing on the final result because we managed to get the win.

‘To be honest both of Hearts penalties were pens. Equally, the handball could be one for us — the referee said the VAR decided it was close to his body. What can you say?’