Oliver Birch 
Ian MacNicol/Getty Images Sport
Neil Lennon has confirmed that Jonny Hayes will miss Thursday’s clash with Rennes and Greg Taylor is available to play.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of the group stage tie, Lennon revealed that Hayes has not recovered in time to feature, but Taylor and Mikey Johnston are both available.
Twitter: 🗣️ NL on injuries: “Jonny Hayes won’t make it but @GregGregtaylor is ready to play. @mikeyjohnston10 is also availa… https://t.co/nolNPwFP58 (@CelticFC)
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Taylor looks set for a huge evening against Rennes with both Hayes and Boli Bolingoli sidelined; with Lennon apparently not issuing an update on the latter’s fitness.
The 22-year-old has made just two appearances for Celtic since his summer move, and Thursday will be his first taste of a European game under the lights at Parkhead for the Hoops.
Taylor therefore has an excellent opportunity to show Lennon why he deserves to be in the side on a regular basis, and the left-back heads into the game off the back of a strong international break with Scotland and a positive substitute appearance last weekend.
Johnston’s return will also come as a welcome boost ahead of the busy festive period, and although he may not start on Thursday, the winger is likely to feature at some point.
