GREG Taylor is expected to feature in Neil Lennon’s starting XI against Rennes in the UEFA Europa League tonight (Thursday) at Celtic Park. With 10 points on the board, the Hoops have already secured European football after Christmas, but the 22-year-old left-back says he considers every game at Paradise as must-win.

Ahead of the Group E encounter, Neil Lennon confirmed Jonny Hayes and Mohamed Elyounoussi’s absences, and also suggested that Mikey Johnston and Olivier Ntcham will be available for selection.

Speaking of his own involvement, Taylor said he savours the opportunity to play and impress the manager and his backroom staff, and he hopes to hit the ground running in front of a packed stadium.

“I can’t wait to be involved,” said Taylor. “It’s a massive game to play in, and it’ll be a great opportunity for me and I look forward to it. At a club of this size, there’s always pressure to win and that’s a good habit to be in. It’s hard to get that back whenever you break it, and we’ll be looking to continue it against Rennes.

“As a footballer, you need games to get into a rhythm. It’s been good to get minutes at Celtic and at international level. It’s been a good few weeks and I hope to keep that going.”

With a busy December schedule on the horizon (the Scottish champions stare down nine games in four weeks), Taylor well-understands the importance of finding form from the outset, which, to his credit, he’s demonstrated whenever called upon this season so far.

Taylor’s European journey begun earlier this year for Kilmarnock, when the Ayrshire side crashed out of the Europa League to semi-professional Welsh outfit Connah's Quay Nomads. The left-back said that result makes him appreciate tonight’s game even more, and he’s now laser-focused on helping his side secure three points.

He added: “It’s well-documented that December is busy. The squad will be needed and it’s important to take opportunities whenever called upon and impress the manager when you step in.

“Tonight, we have the chance to win the group, and hopefully we can do that. As the gaffer says, though, it’s important for us to keep our focus on the here and now. There’s pressure with every game you play. Maybe I put myself under pressure too, but that’s only to perform whenever I get called upon in order to do myself justice.

“To do what I’ve done for the past three years, to perform at a consistent level. I grabbed a couple of assists at international level and I think I’ve trained well since I’ve come in. I want to continue doing what I’ve been doing.”

Greg Taylor: I'm determined to seize Europa League opportunity