Celtic left it late to strengthen their grip on top spot in the SPFL on Sunday afternoon as Kristoffer Ajer slammed home an 81st minute goal to give the Hoops a 2-1 win away at Aberdeen.

The win at Pittodrie arrived with one major setback to note, though, as Greg Taylor was forced off with an injury inside the first half.

What’s the word?

Taylor has established himself as a regular in Neil Lennon’s starting XI in recent weeks, with his start against Aberdeen representing his fifth in as many SPFL games.

The 22-year-old has been growing in stature but it appears he could miss out on the Bhoys’ Europa League showdown with FC Copenhagen on Thursday evening.

His absence raises questions regarding who Lennon will select to replace him, and The Athletic’s Kieran Devlin believes there could be a relatively surprising inclusion.

While speaking in his Q&A column after the game, the journalist responded to a question regarding the likelihood of Jonny Hayes being viewed as the club’s second choice to Taylor.

“It’s quite likely. Don’t want to speculate on rumours but off-field problems might mean Bolingoli is third-choice for the short-term. Could be wrong and these problems have been addressed and he’s back for Thursday though.”

In at the deep end

The 32-year-old has forged his career in the game based on his ability as a wide midfielder, but he is also capable of filling in at left-back.

His credentials to thrive in that position, however, are far from clear cut, and disgruntled Celtic supporters were quick to fire criticism in his direction after his performance in that role against Aberdeen on Sunday.

With the vital trip to Denmark looming on Thursday, Lennon has a big decision to make over the left-back situation but Devlin’s verdict certainly suggestions Bolingoli may not be ready to take his place in the starting XI as soon as Thursday.

If that does indeed prove to be the case, Hayes will be thrown in at the deep end in an encounter of huge importance for Celtic.