GREG TAYLOR was quick to hit back at a question over Celtic recruiting in his left back role this January as he issued a "copy and paste" response.

The Hoops full-back has just returned from a nasty shoulder injury that required surgery and he made his comeback on Sunday as Ange Postecoglou's team defeated Dundee United.

Celtic have been linked with Reo Hatate, who operates in the left back area, but Taylor is taking no notice of the speculation.

The Scotland international was asked: "There has been a lot of talk about reinforcements coming in especially in your area. Is that something you relish that sort of competition for places and does that make you a better player if there is?"

And he responded: "We would be as well as copy and pasting this at every presser I do.

"There is always going to be competition in every place because of the size of this club it is normal.

"Every player looks to relish it. Hopefully, it makes the squad stronger."

Meanwhile, Taylor is determined to seize any chance he might get against Real Betis and put on a show for the supporters at Parkhead.

Betis and Celtic have already secured second and third place in their Europa League group respectively ahead of Thursday’s final group game, with the Hoops dropping into the Europa Conference League after the winter break.

But manager Ange Postecoglou bristled at suggestions the game was a “dead rubber” and declared it an excellent opportunity to give game time to players who need it.

Taylor falls into that category after returning from shoulder surgery for Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Dundee United.

The former Kilmarnock player said: “First of all, the gaffer will pick the 11 for Thursday night and then we will see who is playing.

“But I think he is spot-on. It would be disrespectful, one, to the competition, and, two, to the club to put any game for Celtic as a dead rubber.

“It’s an opportunity to, one, impress the manager and, two, to put on a performance for the fans.

“The gaffer stresses, when you get the chance to play, it’s an opportunity and it’s about taking that.

“Thursday is no different. The competition is an elite level so we need to be right at it. It’s about focusing on us and continuing to try to play the football that we do.”