Competitive fixtures for Scottish teams are back this week. NTOF have decided to take a look at three young players that could contribute to their club’s upcoming campaign. Next up are another of Scotland’s Europa League representatives, Kilmarnock.
The Scottish media rightly ran out of superlatives for Steve Clarke’s reign as Killie boss. Angelo Alessio has since taken the reigns from the Scotland manager. Antonio Conte’s former assistant has a decent playing squad at his disposal, even if he’s looking to add to it.
But who are the young players that the Italian will rely on to hand Kilmarnock some more success?
Greg Taylor (Left back)
The 21 year old established himself as one of the best left backs in the country last season. When it comes to the Scotland scene, he’s desperately unlucky with Liverpool star and country captain Andy Robertson playing in his position.
Celtic’s Kieran Tierney also provides competition for the slot and is potentially the only better left back in the SPFL.
Could Greg Taylor be teammates with James Forrest for club as well as country? (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Should Arsenal’s supposed interest turn into a move for the Celtic star, the Hoops may again turn their attention towards Taylor. Even despite signing a left back already in the form of Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo, Taylor would be a shrewd signing for Celtic.
But he must remain focused on Kilmarnock as they try to replicate a phenomenal showing last campaign and prove he’s the real deal.
Stuart Findlay (Centre back)
Another defender that Kilmarnock seem to have shrugged off supposed transfer interest for is Stuart Findlay. Sheffield Wednesday and Oxford United are two English clubs previously accredited with an interest in the defender.
Findlay fired home in the dying embers of the match against Hearts at Tynecastle. (Photo by Alan Rennie/Action Plus via Getty Images)
Everyone mentions the league wins over Hibs and Rangers for sealing Killie’s passage to the Europa League. But Findlay can say he also contributed for a late winning goal that a striker would’ve been proud of.
A talented defender who can score goals in the opposition’s box as well as defending in his own, here’s hoping his progress can continue to soar.
Greg Kiltie (Winger)
NTOF previously touched on Kiltie back in April following his excellent run of form, on loan at Championship side Greenock Morton. But with Jordan Jones having left Ayrshire for Ibrox, Kiltie could be the man to replace him following his exploits at Cappielow.
Kiltie to be Killie’s main man? (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)
The Killie academy graduate’s career has somewhat got back on track following his spell in Greenock. It’ll be interesting to see if his new manager opts to sign other wingers.
But if he doesn’t, Kiltie must grab his Killie lifeline with both hands and cement himself in the first team as the heir to Jordan Jones.