McAvennie ‘excited’ by what he’s heard as new Celtic man O’Riley tipped for ‘shock’ start tonight
Frank McAvennie is excited to see Matt O’Riley make his Celtic debut after hearing rave reviews.
The former Hoops hitman, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claims the midfielder could start against Hearts tonight (26 January).
O’Riley, 21, is Ange Postecoglou’s latest recruit with his signing confirmed on Thursday (20 January) after the Scottish giants activated the £1.5million release clause in his MK Dons contract.
Celtic now have plenty of depth in the midfield and attack with a Hoops source telling Football Insider on 10 January that they are close to signing Jota permanently.
However, the Hoops have an injury crisis in their midfield and as a result, O’Riley could make his debut tonight.
“O’Riley is one of the only midfielders who isn’t injured at this point,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“He will probably have to come in tonight. It will be a shock for him and big ask, hopefully he can come in and have the same impact as the other lads.
“It’s a big game tonight. There are people down in England who are saying great things. It sounds like this guy is the real deal.
“That’s exciting. He will get a chance and he has to take it. When everyone is fit it will be tough to get into that side.
“So he has a big chance to stake a claim and I just hope he impresses and he can help us get a win tonight.”
Celtic are looking to keep pace with Rangers ahead of next month’s Old Firm.
The gap between the two clubs is currently four points.
In other news, One pundit claims Celtic are now in control as Rangers ‘can’t deal’ with title ‘pressure’.