League, and is ready to realise his dream
most enjoyable.”
Celtic’s success has allowed them to swerve the early Euro qualifiers.
But national pride – and a vested interest in the co-efficient – persuaded Taylor to take in Dundee United’s stunning victory over AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night.
“Yeah, I watched the game, and thought it was an outstanding performance from United,” he said.
“They had a successful season last year, and from the look of things, I think that they will be strong again this year.
“Of course, my main focus is on ourselves.
“We have probably the biggest club competition of them all – the Champions
League – to look forward to.”
The last time the club were involved in the group stages, back in 2017-18, Celtic Park played host to both Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.
And with Real Madrid among the potential opponents this time around, the full-back admits to being thrilled by the prospect.
“I would love nothing more to play in a game such as that. It would be really, really, special,” said Taylor.
“The Champions League is the biggest competition you can play in.
“So to go in and represent a club this size is the stuff you dream of when you are a kid.
“It is a competition that throws up so many big occasions, probably none more so than Zidane’s goal at Hampden for Real Madrid in the 2002 Final.
“There were great defenders to watch too – Roberto Carlos, Sergio Ramos and some of the greats of the game.
“I would have to say, in more recent years, I have enjoyed watching no one more than Virgil van Dijk.
“He has been great in the Champions League for Liverpool, and I would argue he is still the best defender in the world.
“It is quite something to realise that a couple of seasons with Celtic were part of his journey.
“I am sure he is very grateful for the opportunity the club gave him because from there, he has gone on to achieve wonderful things.”