Neil Lennon singles out underrated Celtic star who could easily play in the Premier League

Neil Lennon insists unsung Celtic hero Greg Taylor would be more than capable of playing in the English Premier League.

Taylor, 27, could be on his way out of Parkhead as talks drag on over a new contract. The left-back's current deal expires at the end of the season and Taylor is free to open pre-contract discussions with other clubs from January. It's understood the Scotland international is keen to extend his stay in Glasgow and while Brendan Rodgers is equally determined to keep him, both parties have yet to strike an agreement.

Taylor has been a virtual ever-present for the Hoops since former boss Lennon signed him from Kilmarnock for a bargain £2million in 2019. The defender has become a specialist in playing as an inverted full-back and has produced consistently impressive performances over the last few seasons.

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Lennon hopes to see the full-back commit his long-term future to the club but believes he would have no issues finding a team down south - even if he is underrated by some sections of the green-and-white faithful.

He told OLBG: "Greg Taylor has been such a consistent performer for Celtic domestically and in Europe when you consider the money that they paid for him. He is a really good footballer and really good defender. I think he's surprised a lot of people. He's just improved and improved year in, year out.

"I understand why Brendan wants him to stay because left backs are hard to find and he's a really consistent performer. I would be loathed to see him leave Celtic and he looks really happy there, but Greg Taylor could play in the Premier League, I’m pretty sure of it."

He added: "Look at the likes of Ryan Christie, Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer who have gone down there and made an impact, which Matt O’Riley will continue doing after his impact against Manchester City. Taylor would have no issues playing at Premier League level."