Greg Taylor offers sober assessment of Celtic’s Premiership race

Former Celtic defender Greg Taylor insists the Premiership title race is not over yet, despite Hearts holding a five-point lead with nine games to play.

Celtic return to league action on Saturday when Motherwell visit Celtic Park. The champions know there is little room for error in the run-in, but recent results have at least restored some momentum, including the penalty shootout win over Rangers in the Scottish Cup at Ibrox, where the team defended deep and stayed calm from the spot.

Taylor admitted the situation is difficult but still believes in the squad’s quality and experience. Speaking to Premier Sports, via CeltsAreHere, he said: “I do (still think Celtic have the quality to win the league). It will be difficult.

“There are nine games to go, and Hearts are six points clear, so as time goes on, it becomes harder and you probably have to put Hearts as favourites.

“But I still feel Celtic have a chance. Hopefully big players come back. You’ve got guys who have done it before.”

Injuries have complicated Celtic’s task. Captain Callum McGregor missed the derby with a calf problem, while Kieran Tierney has also been managing an issue. Taylor pointed to players like James Forrest, who has previously delivered in title run-ins, as reasons for optimism.

“A few seasons back we were behind Rangers and James Forrest went on an unbelievable run and almost won us the league himself. You can see him finding form again.

“Ali Johnston will come back and hopefully Callum (McGregor) and KT (Kieran Tierney) are back soon as well. I could be wrong, but there’s still something there that tells me Celtic might have a right chance,” Taylor added.

That experience across the squad, Taylor believes, will be important in the weeks ahead. Many of the current group have already been through tight title races and know how quickly the picture can change when pressure builds late in the season.

Matches like the Motherwell game now carry extra weight. Dropped points would make the gap to Hearts harder to close; a win would at least keep the pressure on the league leaders and keep Celtic in the fight.