Matt O’Riley: Pundit hails ‘outstanding’ Celtic star after what he was told about January move that ‘fell through’
Matt O’Riley has been outstanding for Celtic and will only get better the more he plays.
That’s according to former Hoops hitman Frank McAvennie, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the January signing’s impressive start to life at Parkhead.
O’Riley, 21, has started four of Celtic’s five league games since he joined the club from MK Dons on 25 January.
After getting an assist on his debut against Hearts, he marked his fifth appearance with his first goal for the club against Aberdeen.
The Hoops switched their attention to signing O’Riley after seeing Riley McGree snub a move to Parkhead.
McAvennie, who is based in Glasgow and well connected at his former club, admits he is glad the McGree transfer fell through after O’Riley bagged his first goal.
“I don’t think O’Riley was the first choice,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“They were after a guy called Riley McGree but they couldn’t get it done.
“It fell through, that’s what someone told me. Anyway, the point is I bet they are glad they couldn’t get that other deal done.
“I mean, what a move from Celtic. What a player he looks to be. He’s been outstanding so far and he’s a player who arrived without much fanfare.
“He came from MK Dons and he wasn’t one of the Japanese lads who everyone was getting really excited about.
“He deserved that goal last week and I suspect he will only get better the more he plays.”
Ange Postecoglou was quoted by The Scotsman (14 January) as saying there was interest in McGree but he didn’t want to join the club.
He instead joined Championship side Middlesbrough.
In other news, one pundit has been ‘wowed’ by ‘incredible’ thing he heard ‘livid’ Postecoglou do.