Greg Taylor swerves Celtic accolades for one text message he keeps safe with Euro 2024 countdown on

Greg Taylor may have won three Scottish Premiership crowns with Celtic in a haul of seven pieces of silverware with the Hoops. But sometimes the greatest honours can be captured for posterity in far simpler form. A text even.

The Hoops full-back dug out his mobile when meeting the press at Lennoxtown yesterday to read out the 27 word message received from SFA administrator Frank Reilly almost three years ago. That ping on his phone - as he stood outside Buckingham Palace on a sightseeing trip to London with his missus - made the left back feel like a king for a moment. It was confirmation he’s made the cut for Steve Clarke’s squad that was to end Scotland’s 23-year wait to take part in a major tournament. And it’s a sensation Taylor is desperate to experience again in the next few months.

The 13-times capped Hoops ace was named in Clarke’s squad to tackle the Netherlands and Northern Ireland this month as preparations step up for Germany 2024. But Clarke has warned the 25-man group that he expects four or five changes could come before the final selection.

Taylor has serious competition on the left side of defence where Kieran Tierney and Andy Robertson seems certs to be on the plane while Serie A star Josh Doig has emerged as a fresh option from the U21s. But Taylor know the best way to make sure he avoids the chop is by continuing his fine form for Celtic as they look to peg back Rangers and hold onto their Premiership title.

Taylor said: “It would mean everything to be on that plane, of course. I was lucky enough to be in the last Euros squad in 2021. I didn't play but I was there and it's massive honour when you get that text through and realise you are going. It was really special and you want to have that again,