Rodgers expects out of contract Celtic defender to leave

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that left-back Greg Taylor is likely to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season, as the Hoops prepare for a summer of personnel changes.

Greg Taylor is all set to leave Celtic at the end of the season when his contract runs out.

Brendan Rodgers confirmed what many fans suspected as the Hoops prepare for a summer of transfer activity.

The 27-year-old was an unused sub in the 3-0 win over Hearts at Parkhead in the Scottish Premiership.

It was the fourth game in a row that he watched the game from the bench.

Rodgers revealed that it was “probably more that he will move on than stay,” admitting that it was a scenario he had seen unfold many times before.

“It’s a big shame for me as he’s someone that I really like. I love him as a person but I love his game because I think his game is suited to how we work,” Rodgers said.

“It’s not financial, it’s not anything, but I respect his position because he will want to feel that he’s playing every single week,” he added.

Taylor has made 14 appearances for Scotland since he earned his first cap in 2019 in UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying against the world’s top-ranked team, Belgium.

The full-back came on after captain Andy Robertson picked up an injury and played the full match in Brussels as Scotland lost 3–0.

Manager Steve Clarke hailed Taylor’s debut as “excellent”, but Taylor was not part of the Scotland team that took on Greece in the recent double header.

With Kieran Tierney set to return to Celtic Park from Arsenal in the summer, it seems that Taylor’s role will be further limited.

In addition to the expected return of Tierney, Rodgers also hinted at the possibility of making Jeffrey Schlupp’s loan move from Crystal Palace permanent.