Q: Do you think there’s a lot more to come from you, hopefully many more years at Celtic and many more trophies?
Matt O’Riley: “Definitely. I’ve said to myself numerous times that I think I’m playing at a good level but I definitely feel that there’s a lot more to come. It’s an adaptation period for me in a sense. I’ve come from a different league, a different culture, so I’m still coming to grips with it. I feel very settled but I still think next season will really give me a chance to kick on.
“I’ve built a foundation now to a point where I’m settled in the team, settled in the environment. So hopefully next season I can really push on and reach high levels on both a personal and collective note.”
Cameron Carter-Vickers celebrates Photo: Jane Barlow
Q: Is the league what you expected?
Matt O’Riley: “I didn’t know what to expect. And I’ll be honest, I just knew obviously the size of the club. I knew the level was going to be a higher one but at the same time I always felt it was a level I was more than capable of playing at so I’ve been happy with the transition, it has felt very natural. I’m looking forward to hopefully pushing on next season.”
Q: Is success in Europe the next step?
Matt O’Riley: “I think so. I think that’s what can take us to the next level. Hopefully, once the season is over, we can put ourselves in a good place to do that. That is an exciting thought for all of us around Celtic. I’m not going to say anything now because we haven’t officially won anything but, in terms of European football, if we can play at the highest level I think for all of us that’d be a really cool experience.
“And just being able to test yourself against the best players in the world will be really cool because that’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”
Q: On Hearts, they’ve already cemented third place and have a Scottish Cup final on the horizon so what to expect from them? Anything different from what you’ve already faced?
Matt O’Riley: “We expect a tough game, always a tough game. I remember that being my debut away at their place and that was a hostile environment. So I know what it’s like personally already, which is a good experience to have. We all know that they’re a strong team or they wouldn’t be in third place. They wouldn’t be in a cup final if they weren’t a good team, so we’re going to have to be more than ready for it.
The Celtic Star: If you win the league and therefore qualify for the Champions League group stages, do you think that will that help your chances of making the World Cup with Denmark?
Matt O’Riley: “I do. Yeah. I think anyone who is playing Champions League football and hopefully playing it at a good level helps massively. But, again, I know it’s annoying for me to say this: we haven’t got there yet. Once we do, I’ll give you a proper answer on that.”
The Celtic Star: Joe Hart made some important saves towards the end of the game last weekend against theRangers. How important has he been for Celtic since you’ve been at the club?
Matt O’Riley: “He’s been massive. He doesn’t get called upon too often but, when he does, he always seems to be making those really important saves. I can remember a few of them: the semi-final against (the)Rangers there was a massive save – albeit we didn’t go on to close it out – but in terms of his presence, he really gives us something where we all just feel comfortable being in front of him. I think someone with his experience naturally brings that sense of ease to all of those around him.”
