Kilmarnock full-back Stephen O’Donnell believes that his teammate Greg Taylor has earned his impending move to Celtic.
The full-back has reportedly had a medical ahead of his switch to Parkhead (Sky Sports). Two players will go the other way as part of the deal, with Calvin Miller and Jack Hendry set to join Killie.
Taylor is reportedly close to a Celtic switch. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
O’Donnell admits he’ll miss the 21-year-old once his Celtic move is finalised.
He told the Daily Record: “He does not owe Kilmarnock anything. He has worked his backside off since he came and has been a great servant for the past four seasons, an ever-present.
“I was actually quite sad not to see Greg in the warm-up for the Saints game.
Sad to see him go. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“I will still see him with Scotland. I am hoping to room with him although if he ‘pies me’ for the Celtic boys I will know he has changed. I’ll just have to remind him I was at Celtic first!”
O’Donnell will know Taylor is a big loss for Kilmarnock
O’Donnell and Taylor have been brilliant in the full-back positions for Kilmarnock. To lose either of them is a big blow for the club, but it was eventually going to happen.
With over 100 Killie appearances to his name and now a Scotland cap, Taylor has been brilliant for the Ayrshire club. Similarly, they have been great with him, by giving him his chance as a professional.
Taylor has enjoyed a fruitful Ayrshire spell. (photo by David Young/Action Plus via Getty Images)
They will be losing an experienced young player, a rarity in the modern game. There aren’t many 21-year-olds out there who have been exposed to as much high level football as Taylor has.
O’Donnell will know how much of a blow this is. With the transfer window set to shut today, Celtic left-back Miller has been lined up seemingly as his replacement.
Sadly for the Hoops left-back, he has quite the task to live up to the high expectations Taylor has set for a Killie left-back.
Miller has a big task ahead of him. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
He’ll be a big miss no doubt, but O’Donnell seems pleased for his teammate, now that he is close to his big break in football.