GREG Taylor said he fully understands that patience will be key to a successful career at Celtic, adding that the champions are excited to return to action following the winter break, with a Scottish Cup fourth round tie away to Partick Thistle this Saturday.

Neil Lennon’s side spent the winter break in Dubai being put through their paces in a warm weather training camp, and they will now look to hit the ground running as they begin the defence of the Scottish Cup.

Taylor said the break from competitive action has left the players eager to get back out on the pitch for what he anticipates will be a difficult game.

“It’s been a few weeks since we last played,” Taylor said. “We’re all looking forward to it tomorrow. We’ve had a good couple of weeks training and we are raring to go.

“In the camp, there’s no over-reaction. We know how well we’ve done so far this season. The last game was a disappointing result but we’re hoping to get back to winning ways tomorrow.

“I think Thistle will be well-drilled and stubborn. The onus is on us to put a performance in our first game after the break and we want to come out of the traps.”

The time in Dubai also gave the manager the chance to have a closer look at his players. Greg Taylor is hopeful he has done enough in the training camp to earn a place in the team tomorrow and become a regular in the first-team. But the 22-year-old knows the importance of patience at a club like Celtic.

“It was a good week’s work, like a mini pre-season,” he said. “It was a good chance to impress and hopefully I can build on that over the next few months.

“It takes time to know the style. Once I get a chance, then hopefully I can stay in the team. It’s tough but we’re a big club and there’s competition all over the pitch so it’s about doing enough to try and stay in the team. That’s my aim for the rest of the season.

“You have to be patient at a massive club and I understand that. Every footballer wants to play games and I’m no different. As long as I impress in training and do it on the pitch then that’s all that matters.

“Sometimes you’ve got to take it on the chin. If the boys ahead of you are playing well and winning games, then you can’t grumble. If an opportunity arises and I get the chance to take it then I believe I can. You can’t walk into a Celtic team and I’ll keep working to hopefully become a regular.”

Greg Taylor: Patience will be key to my Hoops career