Matt O’Riley has been nothing short of fantastic since his bargain £1.5 million move from MK Dons 18 months ago. The English born Danish international fitted into the side like he’d always been there. His nonstop energy, his passing and eye for goal were tailor made for Ange ball.

Last season was a bit up and down for him as he had a dip in form and was on the bench more than he would like, but still made more assists than any other player in the top flight, that’s very impressive indeed, and he was the only player to play in every single match.

Matt O’Riley of Celtic controls the ball during the Celtic vs St Mirren Cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park on May 20, 2023 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Matt O’Riley was also outstanding when covering for the injured Callum McGregor between October and the break for the World Cup, playing in a deeper midfield role protecting the defence.

Working under Brendan will only improve Matt even further. He’s Brendan’s type of player and I can see him cementing a regular starting slot under the Irishman who plans to be at Celtic for at least the next three seasons. In that time players like Matt O’Riley can truly flourish.

Stuart Armstrong of Celtic celebrates scoring his sides third goal during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Hearts and Celtic at Tynecastle Stadium on April 2, 2017. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Matt is a similar player to Stuart Armstrong who was brilliant under the leadership of Brendan Rodgers first time around. Stuart was already a decent player when Brendan arrived, an energetic player who worked hard in the engine room in the middle of the park while popping up with a vital goal now and again.

Brendan Rodgers improved Armstrong and I can see him doing the same for Matt O’Riley and that bodes well for the team. Matt O’Riley is going to be a vital part of our Celtic side next season.

JustAnOrdinaryBhoy – follow on Twitter @ordinarybhoy

HUGE SAVINGS IN THE CELTIC STAR’S SUMMER SALE!

The Celtic Star’s Father’s Day Promotion has been so successful, with hundreds of books at great prices being posted to Celtic fans all over the world, that we’ve decided to continue with the sale until the end of July. We’ve reduced all six books currently available from their usual retail price of £20 and prices are as low as £6 (see below).

All books are high quality hardback, with some signed by the author. And it’s also worth noting that you only pay postage on one book, so it’s free for the second, third and so on. ORDER HERE or click on The Celtic Star image above…this is how it feels to be Celtic!