Greg Taylor says Celtic are raring for Rangers clash as he delivers 'pressure makes diamonds' quip ahead of title showdown

Greg Taylor says Celtic aim to shine like derby diamonds in the Old Firm cauldron.

The Parkhead troops are now gearing up for the crunch clash having moved to within two points of Rangers by beating Dundee United at the weekend.

Ange Postecoglou’s men have the chance to go to the summit for the first time this season on Wednesday night if they secure a win over the Ibrox pacesetters.

Taylor is adamant there is no additional pressure on the Celtic squad going into the contest against Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side. He explained: “You feel pressure every game at a club like this because of the demands made on it.

“But pressure creates diamonds, doesn’t it?

“If we put on a good performance, then we’ll enjoy the pressure.”

Taylor insists Celtic are under constant orders from Postecoglou to always grasp any big opportunities that come their way.

The defender says the manager drums the mantra into them regularly and that this next upcoming test is no different.

Asked about the importance of the game, Taylor said: “Every game’s an opportunity. The manager is massive on that.

“He always tells us that you have a short career and not to waste as much as a second of it.

“So Wednesday night’s another one of those occasions when no one wants to waste a second of the opportunity.

“If we play the football we can, results will take care of themselves and we’ll see where we are at the end of the season.

“We just play our football, take each game as it comes and try not to waste any opportunities.”

The chance to go top of the table is within their reach, but Taylor tried to play down the significance at this stage of the campaign.

He said: “We don’t really look at league tables. We just focus on what the manager wants us to do.”

Keeper