Greg Taylor’s PAOK situation takes unexpected twist amid Celtic return links

The former Celtic left-back had seemingly fallen out of favour under new boss Alessio Lisci, having been omitted from a number of the club’s early European squads.

Taylor spent much of last season as back-up to Baba Rahman under Razvan Lucescu, while the arrival of Greece international Dimitrios Giannoulis earlier this month appeared to push him further down the pecking order.

However, Lisci has now surprisingly reintroduced the 28-year-old as a central midfielder.

After missing both legs of PAOK’s Europa League qualifying victory over Dynamo Kyiv, Taylor returned to the squad for the following round against Anderlecht before making another appearance in Thursday night’s Conference League play-off against Brann.

This time, Taylor was introduced from the bench in midfield.

The decision has raised eyebrows among PAOK supporters, with Lisci already facing criticism from sections of the fanbase over his start to life in charge.

Taylor did, though, make an impact after coming on with his side trailing. PAOK eventually rescued a 1-1 draw, while a late opportunity for Cherif Ndiaye came after the former Celtic defender won possession.

Whether Lisci genuinely views Taylor as a midfield option moving forward or is simply attempting to find a place for him in his squad remains to be seen.

The position is not entirely unfamiliar territory. Taylor began his career as a midfielder before being converted into a defender in his late teens, while his years at Celtic regularly saw him drift centrally as an inverted left-back.

Indeed, in his final Celtic appearance, Brendan Rodgers moved Taylor into the midfield three during the latter stages of the game.

Taylor has been linked with a surprise return to Celtic this summer, although the Hoops’ search for another left-back now appears to have led them towards Chelsea youngster Landon Emenalo on loan.

Burnley and Malaga have also been credited with an interest in Taylor, who is reportedly waiting for a concrete offer.