Matt O’Riley is ‘nailed-on’ Celtic starter after Rangers win as regulars set for axe – pundit
Matt O’Riley’s impressive start to life at Celtic could keep several first-team regulars on the sidelines.
That’s according to former Hoops hitman Frank McAvennie, speaking exclusively to Football Insider after a rapid start to the midfielder’s Parkhead career.
O’Riley, 21, turned in a stellar performance as Celtic beat Rangers 3-0 on Wednesday (2 February).
He has started all three of Celtic’s league games since he joined the club on 20 January and marked his debut against Hearts with an assist.
McAvennie claims the midfielder has made a strong claim to keep his place in the side when injured players like Tom Rogic eventually return.
“O’Riley was magnificent, to think that was his first Old Firm game,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“The whole midfield was brilliant and obviously Hatate has got the headlines.
“But O’Riley really impressed me. I just think about how strong we will be once Rogic and the other injured players come back in.
“The thing now is, do any of them get back in? I wouldn’t drop any of the three who started last night. The regulars could be left out.
“I said last week when O’Riley looked like he was going to start against Hearts, if you get a chance to play you have to take it.
“O’Riley has taken that chance, I think he’s a nailed-on starter and I think every Celtic fan wants to see him keep his place.
“We have such quality in that midfield now, what a difference 6 months or so makes.”
Celtic moved to the top of the Premiership table with their win over Rangers.
They are next in action against Motherwell on Sunday (6 February).
In other news, pundit claims Barkas could lead exodus out of Celtic.