Celtic: Ange must unleash Greg Taylor | OneFootball

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has his first chance to win silverware at the club as his side face Hibernian in the League Cup final this weekend.

The Hoops beat St Johnstone 1-0 in the semi-finals and come into this game off the back of a 2-1 win over Ross County in the Premiership, with Liel Abada and Antony Ralston scoring in midweek.

Forget Welsh

However, one problem Postecoglou faces heading into this match is the suspension of Carl Starfelt after his red card in midweek. He was given his marching orders for two bookable offences as the Hoops picked up the three points and he is now set to miss the final.

Should Celtic start Taylor?

Starfelt’s indiscrection has left the 56-year-old with a decision to make regarding who he selects in his back four for this match. He should forget about making a like-for-like change by bringing Stephen Welsh in for the Swede and instead unleash Greg Taylor from the start.

By starting the Scotland international against Hibernian, Liam Scales could move from left-back to his natural central defensive position. The Irishman won eight of his 12 duels against Ross County and completed 100% of his dribbles whilst registering an assist from full-back, showing that he was strong in his defending and capable of playing out with the ball at his feet.

Postecoglou sang Taylor’s praises earlier this year after he put pen to paper on a new contract, saying: “He has had an excellent start to the season and has made a really valuable contribution to the team.

“Unfortunately he has suffered the injury in recent weeks, but our focus and his, is now to get him back in the squad as soon as possible, have him pick up where he left off and playing at that same high level.”

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Gary Hooper Anthony Stokes

The £8.2k-per-week gem is a natural left-back and has averaged an impressive SofaScore rating of 7.13 in the Premiership this term. He has averaged 1.8 key passes and 2.6 tackles and interceptions per game, showing his ability to perform at both ends of the pitch.

Postecoglou could duly get Scales and Taylor into the team in their favoured positions, without needing to start Welsh next to Cameron Carter-Vickers. It is now down to the Australian to make the call and unleash the Scottish left-back against Hibernian on Sunday.