McAvennie issues ‘100%’ verdict on ‘incredible’ Matt O’Riley starting for Celtic v Rangers
Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley has not done enough to earn a start v Rangers this weekend.
That’s according to former Hoops hitman Frank McAvennie, speaking exclusively to Football Insider ahead of Sunday’s (17 April) Old Firm.
O’Riley, 21, scored twice as Celtic beat St Johnstone 7-0 last Saturday (9 April).
He came on as a half-time substitute, making way for Tom Rogic, one of many central midfield options available to Ange Postecoglou.
In fact, the Hoops replaced all three of their central midfielders before the end of the game against St Johnstone.
Despite his impressive brace, McAvennie claims O’Riley will not be rewarded with a start against Rangers.
“I totally get why people want him in, for me, it depends on Rogic,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“If he is fit, O’Riley doesn’t play. You can’t play the two of them together, Ange has tried it a few times and it hasn’t worked.
“They both like to push up into that number 10 role and that can leave the midfield exposed. So it’s one or the other for me.
“He was incredible last weekend and he’s been brilliant since he came in.
“But I 100% can’t see him starting that game, there are so many options in that midfield.
“I’m sorry Matt, but I can’t see past Rogic, he’s a wonderful talent.”
O’Riley has made 15 appearances for Celtic since joining the club from MK Dons in January.
He is battling for a position against Rogic, Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, David Turnbull and Yosuke Ideguchi.
In other news, an expert has shared a ‘brilliant’ Kyogo Furuhashi claim pre-Rangers after some confirmed Celtic news