Celtic left-back Greg Taylor believes that the Hoops' extended pre-season schedule this summer will pay dividends as the season progresses.

Ange Postecoglou’s side earned an automatic spot in this season's UEFA Champions League group stages after regaining the Scottish Premiership title last term.

It’s been a quieter summer than usual in terms of competitive fixtures, but the squad have still been put through a hard-working and intense summer training camp, both in Austria and at home in Lennoxtown.

Hoops defender Taylor is one of those players who has taken part in crucial European qualifiers over the years, and speaking in a recent interview, the left-back has opened up on the major differences that he has experienced this summer.

He said to Celtic TV: "It makes such a difference, having an extended break and then going into a clean run of pre-season games and training, getting to improve on where we were last year whilst also working on the fitness for the coming season.

“So, yeah, it was a really productive period, and it will hopefully stand us in good stead. Not just now but also right throughout the season.”